Consumer News... For You! May 2024

Applications for the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP) are still being accepted through May 20. Qualifying consumers can apply online or at a local intake office.

Any consumers who cannot pay bills in full and on time are urged to contact their utilities as soon as possible to make payment arrangements. If you need financial assistance with bills, Indiana's 2-1-1 help line is reachable any time.

All consumers are encouraged to consider the budget billing options from their electric and natural gas utilities. Budget Billing sets your payments at a consistent monthly level, making it easier to plan ahead and lessening the sticker shock that often happens with summer cooling bills.

Duke Energy has filed a base rate case seeking nearly $492 million in new annual revenues. The utility's testimony projects a $27.63 increase in a monthly residential bill for 1,000 kWh if the request is approved.

The OUCC's attorneys, accountants, engineers, and additional analysts are reviewing Duke Energy's testimony and additional evidence. OUCC testimony is currently due on July 11. A Commission order is expected in early 2025.

Duke Energy customers are invited to submit written comments for the formal case record through July 5. Information on public hearings will be posted on the OUCC's website when available.

Energy

• The IURC has approved an uncontested settlement agreement in the AES Indiana rate case. It will allow annual revenues to rise by 4.8%, compared to the 8.4% increase the utility initially requested.  
• The IURC evidentiary hearing in the CenterPoint Energy electric rate case is currently scheduled to start on May 10 and continue throughout the month. A final order is expected later this year. 
  
• OUCC testimony recommends denial of NIPSCO's plan to build and operate a 400-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant, with recommendations for the Commission to consider if it approves the proposal.
• The OUCC is recommending reductions to Boonville Natural Gas Corporation's requested rate increase. 
• May 15 is the OUCC's filing deadline in the Ohio Valley Gas rate case.
• The OUCC is reviewing AES Indiana's plan to convert its Petersburg Generating Station units from coal to natural gas, with testimony due June 5.

Water/Wastewater

• The IURC has approved a settlement agreement between the OUCC and Community Utilities of Indiana (CUII) that sets the utility's Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) charge at $0.67 per month. The utility initially requested a $1.47 charge.
• OUCC recommendations on the Evansville water utility's financing request were filed recently. An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled for late June.
• The OUCC has reached a settlement agreement in the Edwardsville Water rate case.
• Indiana American Water Co. is seeking authority to purchase the Silver Creek Water Corporation in Clark County. Written consumer comments are invited through May 21.

Did you know that electrical fires kill nearly 500 Americans and injure more than 1,400 each year? Home electrical fires across the United States cause an estimated $1.3 billion in property damage annually, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). May is National Electrical Safety Month, an annual reminder to:

• Ensure all battery-powered device chargers are certified and undamaged,
• Use the correct light bulbs in each fixture,
• Have loose outlets repaired,
• Test smoke detectors regularly, and
• Recognize any warning signs that may be in your home.

Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

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.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.