  The OUCC's analysts and attorneys have begun reviewing CenterPoint Energy's electric rate request. The utility's proposed $118.8 million increase would raise annual revenues over three phases to be fully implemented in 2026.
The utility's proposal would increase a monthly residential bill for 799 kilowatt hours (kWh) from $154.02 to $201.26. An electric bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh would rise from $207.20 to $253.40, according to CenterPoint Energy's testimony and exhibits.
Written public comments for the case record are invited through March 5. Consumers may submit comments via the OUCC’s online submission form, by email at uccinfo@oucc.in.gov, or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The IURC will schedule a public field hearing in Evansville at a date to determined. This will be an opportunity for the public to speak for the case record. Comments offered at the field hearing will carry the same weight as written consumer comments the OUCC receives by March 5. Specific details on the hearing will be posted on the OUCC's website and social media pages as soon as they are available.
Testimony from the OUCC will be due March 12. A Commission order is expected later this year. Natural gas rates are not at issue in this case.
 The OUCC is inviting written consumer comments in the NIPSCO natural gas rate case
In addition, the IURC has scheduled 2 public field hearings:
- January 8: Purdue University Fort Wayne (2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne), Walb Student Union Classic Ballroom.
- January 23: Purdue University Northwest (2233 173rd Street, Hammond), Student Union and Library Building (Alumni Hall).
Each hearing starts at 6 PM, local time.
Spoken comments at the field hearings will carry the same weight as written comments the OUCC receives by January 24. All comments received before the deadline will be filed as evidence with the Commission.
Electric rates and charges are not at issue in this case.
The OUCC's attorneys and technical experts are analyzing NIPSCO’s request and are scheduled to file testimony with the Commission on January 31. An order is expected this summer.
 A pending settlement agreement in the Indiana Michigan Power rate case would limit I&M’s requested $116.4 million increase to $56.9 million (inclusion of rider revenues adjusts the increase to $61.8 million).
If the agreement is approved, the monthly residential charge will be set at $15.00, changing from $14.79 (the level it was before the state’s Utility Receipts Tax was repealed). The settlement would also ensure reductions in nuclear decommissioning expenses, place an annual cap on certain interstate transmission costs, and would authorize I&M's return on equity at 9.85% instead of the utility's requested 10.5%.
The IURC has authority to approve, deny, or modify any agreement it considers. The settling parties must present evidence showing it to be in the public interest before it receives IURC approval. The OUCC is scheduled to file supporting testimony on January 9 with a final order expected in the coming months.
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