Consumer News... For You! June 2023

With the first day of summer approaching this month, here are some important reminders: 

• Have your HVAC system inspected and tuned up by a professional.
• Check your HVAC filter regularly. The unit will work most efficiently if the filter is clean.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed on hot days.
• Move energy-using items like lamps and TVs away from the thermostat.
• Keep vents unblocked.

Written consumer comments are invited in the Indiana American Water Co. rate case through July 5. Comments the OUCC receives by then will be included with the agency's testimony and filed with the Commission on June 12.

Additionally, an IURC public field hearing is set for Thursday, June 29 in Fishers. It will start at 6:00 p.m. local time at the Hamilton County East Library - Fishers Branch (5 Municipal Drive) in the Center Meeting Room – F179. Comments presented at the field hearing will carry the same weight as written consumer comments.

Indiana American Water is requesting an $86.7 million rate increase, which would raise annual revenues by approximately 31%. The utility provides service in numerous communities throughout the state.

The OUCC's analysts and attorneys have started reviewing two newly filed natural gas rate cases. Indiana Natural Gas Corporation and Midwest Natural Gas Corporation both submitted testimony to the Commission in May.

A procedural schedule has been set in the Midwest Natural Gas case and the OUCC is scheduled to file testimony on August 23. Written comments are invited through August 16. Midwest Natural Gas provides service in Daviess, Greene, Monroe, Jackson, Jennings, Knox, Orange, Scott, Clark, and Washington counties.

The OUCC anticipates filing testimony on the Indiana Natural Gas request on August 30 and is inviting written comments through August 23. The utility provides service to 7 southern Indiana counties: Bartholomew, Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Lawrence, Harrison, and Orange.

In a newly filed case, CenterPoint Energy is requesting Commission approval of a five-year, $454 million electric infrastructure plan in a newly filed case.

The OUCC is reviewing the proposed plan, which includes more than 300 projects on the utility's transmission and distribution system. OUCC testimony is due by August 16. Indiana law allows electric and natural gas utilities to seek Commission approval of long-term infrastructure plans, and then increase rates regularly to recover most of the costs as they are incurred.

Written public comments are invited through Aug. 9, 2023. 

Energy

• CenterPoint Energy's $636 million wind generation proposal has received Commission approval.
• A Commission order in the NIPSCO electric rate case is expected later this summer. All hearings and filings in the case are complete.
  
• OUCC witnesses filed testimony on May 19 in the I&M Solar Generation case, recommending the Commission approve three of the four proposed projects.
• The Commission has approved AES Indiana's most recent quarterly fuel cost adjustment. Fuel adjustment cases for CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy, and NIPSCO are all pending before the Commission. These filings allow electric utilities to raise or reduce rates based on coal, natural gas, and purchased power costs.
• CenterPoint Energy North, Citizens Gas, and NIPSCO have all received final orders for the quarterly Gas Cost Adjustments impacting bills for June, July, and August.

Water/Wastewater

• Citizens Energy Group is seeking Commission approval to create a new subsidiary – Citizens Regional Water Resources – for the purpose of selling wholesale water in the LEAP Lebanon Innovation District in Boone County. The OUCC is scheduled to file testimony on June 27.
• A settlement agreement in the Marion municipal water rate case is due on June 9.
• The evidentiary hearing on East Chicago's municipal water rates has been continued to July 24.
• Ellettsville's municipal water utility has filed a new rate case.

Have you ever wondered about the line items on your electric bill? The OUCC frequently receives questions like: “What’s the MISO Cost Adjustment?” or “What does a Fuel Cost Adjustment pay for?” We have put together a brief video answering those questions while giving an overview of various charges and what they cover.

To represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, & creative problem solving.

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