Consumer News... For You! October 2024

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is requesting a base rate increase for its electric utility in a newly filed case. The utility's request would raise annual revenues by approximately $368.7 million (20.15%). The flat, monthly connection charge for each residential customer would rise from $14.00 to $25.00. The volumetric portion of the bill would also rise. The utility’s testimony and exhibits project that an average monthly residential bill would rise to $166.90 for a customer using 714 kWh and to $223.61 for a customer using 1,000 kWh when new rates are fully implemented in March 2026.

The OUCC's attorneys, accountants, engineers, and additional analysts are reviewing NIPSCO’s testimony and additional evidence. OUCC testimony is currently due on December 19. A Commission order is expected in the summer of 2025.

NIPSCO customers are invited to submit written comments for the formal case record through December 12. Information on public hearings will be posted on the OUCC's website when available.

Two major rate cases are in their final stages, as all hearings have concluded.

The OUCC is scheduled to file its proposed order in the CenterPoint Energy electric rate case on Oct. 16 and in the Duke Energy rate case on Oct. 18. 

Additional parties in the cases may file proposed orders or closing briefs on the same dates. Reply briefs from both utilities are due by the end of October. Commission orders are expected in the winter. 

• The IURC has preapproved rate recovery of IT system improvements in NIPSCO's next electric and gas base rate cases. OUCC recommendations helped expand the amortization of the costs (lowering upfront costs to ratepayers) while requiring NIPSCO to provide yearly updates.
• The rate case settlement agreement between the OUCC and Boonville Natural Gas has received IURC approval. Under the agreement, the utility will receive an annual increase of nearly $735,000 rather than $1 million increase initially requested.
• OUCC testimony in Indiana Utilities Corporation's rate case would reduce the requested revenue increase by more than $10,000. The agency has also filed its recommendations in the South Eastern Indiana Natural Gas and Eastern Heights Utilities rate cases.
• A recent filing from Citizens Water would reduce its monthly Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC 3) from $6.64 to $5.60.
• Written comments are invited in the Pleasantview Utilities water and sewer rate cases through Dec. 5.

Some of the trick-or-treaters at your door on Halloween may be dressed as vampires. But there's another vampire you need to watch out for: the energy vampire! Any phone charger or small appliance that's plugged in when you're not using it is still using some electricity. Those small amounts can add up. Since October is Energy Awareness Month and winter is not far away, you can benefit by checking now for wasted power. An advanced power strip can often quickly pay for itself by curbing vampiric electronics and this "phantom load."

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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