Consumer News... For You! November 2024

The OUCC continues to invite written comments for the formal record in Northern Indiana Public Service Company's (NIPSCO's) electric rate case.

Customers can submit written comments to the OUCC through Dec. 12

NIPSCO's testimony and exhibits project that a monthly residential electric bill would rise to $166.90 for a customer using 714 kWh and to $223.61 for a customer using 1,000 kWh when the proposed rates are fully implemented in March 2026.

Natural gas rates are not at issue in this case.

The OUCC is reviewing the utility's request with testimony due on Dec. 19. An IURC order is expected in the summer of 2025.

The first of two IURC public field hearings for this case is being held later this month:

• Date: Tuesday, Nov. 26
• Time: 6 p.m. Local Time (CST)
• Location: Ivy Tech Community College
  Valparaiso Campus Auditorium, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383

When information on the second field hearing is available, the OUCC will share details on our website and on social media.

The IURC has approved a rate settlement agreement between Ohio Valley Gas and the OUCC. This settlement reduces the requested rate base increase by $30,408. Changes will take effect in two increases - immediately and again in early 2026. The utility provides service to 16 east-central, southern and western Indiana counties.

A settlement in the Indiana Utilities Corporation rate case was filed in late October and would reduce the utility's initial ask by more than $15,000 if approved. Indiana Utilities Corporation serves customers in Harrison and Floyd Counties. Any agreement filed with the IURC may be approved, denied, or modified.

The OUCC has also reached a settlement agreement in the South Eastern Indiana Natural Gas Co. rate case. The utility provides service in Ripley and Dearborn counties.

• AES Indiana has received IURC approval of its repowering proposal for the Petersburg Generating Station. 
• The OUCC and City of Elkhart have reached a settlement agreement on municipal water rates.
• A final order in the Marysville-Otisco-Nabb Water Corp. rate case was issued on Oct. 23.
• The IURC has approved a financing request by American Suburban Utilities and ordered the utility to file its next general rate case before November 2025.
• Written comments are invited in the Pleasantview Utilities water and sewer rate cases through Dec. 5, and in Chandler Municipal Water's rate case through Dec. 13.
• Everton Water Corporation is seeking a rate increase with OUCC testimony due in early January.

Prepare your home for winter heating season. Getting a furnace tune-up, changing the filter, and making sure rugs and furniture are not blocking your vents are three steps you can take now.

Read the OUCC's Fast Facts: Reduce Your Winter Energy Bills

Indiana’s major natural gas utilities have issued their billing projections for the winter heating season:

• Citizens Gas
• CenterPoint Energy North
• CenterPoint Energy South
• NIPSCO

Natural gas bills typically include three distinct charges: the cost of the gas itself, the cost of getting the gas to the utility, and the cost of delivering the gas to the customer.

Watch the OUCC's Understanding Your Natural Gas Bill on YouTube

Consumers should always prepare in advance when possible to stay current on bills. Most utilities offer a budget billing option to keep bill amounts consistent from month to month. 

If you think you may need help paying, contact your utility ASAP to ask about payment arrangements or other assistance that may be available. Contact the state's 24-hour 2-1-1 helpline to find and apply for financial assistance, such as the federally funded Energy Assistance Program.

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.

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

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