  The OUCC is inviting consumer comments in the pending Ohio Valley Gas (OVG) rate case.
OVG is seeking a two-step $12 million (35%) increase in its annual operating revenues. According to its filing, the utility is seeking the increase due to infrastructure improvements and higher operating and maintenance costs. OVG provides natural gas service in portions of southern and east-central Indiana.
An IURC public field hearing is scheduled for Apr. 18 in Connersville. The OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through May 8. OUCC testimony is due May 15.
 The OUCC and additional consumer parties have reached a settlement agreement that if approved, would reduce NIPSCO's natural gas rate request by $41 million.
The agreement sets the monthly residential customer service charge at $16.50, the level where it was before the recent repeal of the state Utility Receipts Tax. The monthly customer service charge for small businesses will receive the same treatment and be set at $67.00. The residential and small business charges, respectively, would have risen to $25.50 and $96.00 under the utility’s request.
All of the case's formal parties have either signed on to the settlement or agreed to not oppose it. The Commission may approve, deny, or change any settlement agreement it considers. A final order in this case is expected this summer.
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