Consumer News... For You! October 2023

OctoberBilling Assistance

Are you concerned about your utility bills as winter approaches? Now is the time to reach out to your  providers and discuss payment arrangements.

Indiana has a winter disconnection moratorium, but it only applies to those who have applied for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you’re unsure where you can apply for assistance, the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) offers a county-by-county directory of local intake offices. Applications are now being accepted.

For more information on local financial resources, Indiana’s 2-1-1 helpline can be reached at any time. Township trustees and certain utility companies offer assistance, too.

I&M Rates

The OUCC is inviting written public comments in the Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) electric rate case.

In addition, the IURC has scheduled 2 public field hearings, where customers will be able to speak for the case record:

  • Fort Wayne: Oct. 16 at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Walb Student Union Classic Ballroom, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
  • South Bend: Oct. 30 at the Century Center Recital Hall, 120 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Both hearings will begin at 6 PM.

Spoken comments at the field hearings will carry the same weight as written comments the OUCC receives by Nov. 8, 2023. All comments received before the deadline will be filed as evidence with the Commission.

The OUCC's attorneys & technical experts are analyzing I&M’s request & are scheduled to file testimony with the Commission on Nov. 15. A Commission order is expected next summer. 

AES Rates

Written consumer comments are invited in the AES Indiana rate case through Oct. 6. Comments the OUCC receives by then will be included with the agency's testimony and filed with the IURC on Oct. 12.

AES Indiana’s request would raise rates by $134 million per year. Most rate cases take approximately 300 days to complete, and a final order from the IURC is not expected until spring of 2024. 

Additional Case Updates