Consumer News... For You! February 2024

CenterPoint Energy customers can comment on the utility's electric rate request at a late February IURC hearing in Evansville or in writing through early March. The utility's $118.8 million proposal would raise annual revenues over three phases to be fully implemented in 2026.

The OUCC’s informational video offers an overview at https://youtu.be/efivfbMBUWg.

Public Field Hearing:

The IURC has scheduled a public field hearing in this case for Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Old National Events Plaza (715 Locust Street, Evansville) in the Locust Room.

The hearing will include 2 sessions: an afternoon session beginning at 2:00 p.m. local time, and an evening session beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time. No final decisions about the case will be made at the hearing.

Written Comments:

Written public comments for the case record are invited through Mar. 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

OUCC attorneys and technical staff are reviewing the utility's request and are scheduled to file testimony on Mar. 12. A Commission order is expected later this year.

Natural gas rates are not at issue in this case.

The OUCC is recommending an $81.1 million reduction to Northern Indiana Public Service Company's (NIPSCO's) requested gas rate increase. The utility is requesting a $161.9 million increase to its natural gas base rates.

Most of NIPSCO's request is attributable to new transmission and distribution improvements, most of which have been approved in previous Commission cases. 

While reducing the utility's request by more than half, the OUCC's recommendations would also keep NIPSCO’s monthly residential customer service charge at its current $16.25 level. The utility proposes raising the charge to $25.50.

NIPSCO rebuttal testimony is due Feb. 28 with a Commission order expected this summer. Electric rates are not at issue in the case.

• In January, NIPSCO filed supplemental testimony revising its proposal to build and operate a new power plant at the Schahfer generating site near Wheatland. The proposed 400-megawatt natural gas-fired plant would partially replace the existing Schahfer coal-fired facility which is slated for retirement. The OUCC is scheduled to file testimony on March 26.
• The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the IURC's most recent rate order for Community Utilities of Indiana, which serves parts of four northwest Indiana counties. The order significantly reduced the utility's requested water and sewer rate increases.
• The OUCC has filed testimony recommending reducing Marysville-Otisco-Nabb Water Corporation's rate request from 63.9% to 29.1%.
  
• Public comments are invited in the Edwardsville Water Authority rate case through Mar. 28.

February 11 (2/11) is 2-1-1 Day in Indiana & throughout the nation. If you know anyone who needs financial assistance with utility bills and additional matters, the state's 2-1-1 helpline can put you in touch with state and local resources. The service is available 24/7. Reaching it is as simple as dialing the three-digit 2-1-1 code or calling 1-866-211-9966.

Interested in joining the OUCC team? We have openings in accounting and engineering.

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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