Consumer News... For You! November 2023

State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 11/02/2023 02:50 PM EDT

Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) has filed a new base rate case for its natural gas utility. The request would raise annual revenues by nearly $161.9 million (16.29%). It would also raise the monthly residential customer service charge from $16.25 to $25.50.

The OUCC is expected to file its recommendations on Jan. 31, 2024. In the meantime, written consumer comments are invited through Jan. 24, 2024. A Commission order is expected in summer 2024.

The OUCC continues to invite written consumer comments on Indiana Michigan Power's (I&M) rate request through Nov. 8. Public field hearings were conducted last month in Fort Wayne and South Bend.

The OUCC’s attorneys and technical experts are analyzing I&M’s $116 million request and are scheduled to file testimony with the IURC on Nov. 15. A commission order is expected next spring.

The OUCC is recommending a significant reduction to AES Indiana’s rate request. In June, the utility proposed a $134.2 million annual revenue increase. This includes raising the monthly customer service charge from $16.75 to $25.00.

The OUCC’s testimony, filed on Oct. 12, recommends limiting the increase to $19.1 million. 14 OUCC witnesses based their recommendations on a 3 ½- month review of AES Indiana’s evidence, and included more than 1,500 written consumer comments with their testimony.

Rebuttal testimony from AES Indiana is due Nov. 8 with an evidentiary hearing scheduled to start on Dec. 4.

All filings and hearings are complete in the CenterPoint Electric TDSIC case. A final order is expected in December.
Consumer comments are invited through Dec.14 on NIPSCO’s proposal to build and operate a new 400-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant.
NIPSCO customers will receive bill credits following a supplemental order in the utility’s recent electric rate case. The OUCC and industrial customers objected to NIPSCO’s timing for implementing its new rates.
The OUCC has filed its proposed order for the IURC’s consideration in the Indiana American Water rate case. Our office recommended limiting the originally requested $86.7 million (31.1%) increase to a $18.6 million (6.6%). A final order from the IURC is not expected until later this winter.
Consumer comments are invited regarding the Marysville-Otisco-Nabb water rate case through Jan. 5. The OUCC anticipates filing on January 12.
Consumer parties, including the OUCC, have filed their brief with the Indiana Court of Appeals on Community Utilities of Indiana’s rate order.

Winter is approaching and it’s time to prepare your home for winter heating season. Getting a furnace tune-up, changing the filter, and making sure rugs and furniture are not blocking your vents are 3 of the steps you can take now.

Indiana’s major natural gas utilities are projecting December heating bills to be 13 to 25 percent lower than one year ago, due to significant decreases in wholesale gas costs:

However, it is important for all consumers to prepare, stay current on any payment arrangements, and request an arrangement sooner rather than later if you need one. If you need financial assistance, the state's 211 helpline is available around the clock. It can provide information on Indiana's Energy Assistance Program and additional resources.

Interested in joining the OUCC team? We have openings for an accountant and an engineer.

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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