The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the City of Peru's request for an increase in its municipal electric utility's rates and charges.

The OUCC - the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) - has not yet taken a position on the city's request but is currently scheduled to complete its review and file testimony on Wednesday, April 11. Consumers who wish to provide written comments on the proposal in the meantime may submit them to the OUCC's consumer services staff via mail, e-mail or fax.

Peru Utilities - which provides electric utility service to nearly 11,000 customers - is seeking a two-phase electric rate increase to pay for capital improvements (including new substations and a comprehensive pole testing program) and to cover increases in operating and maintenance costs. Peru's current electric rates were approved in 1992.

According to its testimony and exhibits, the city's proposal would increase the monthly electric bill for a typical residential customer who uses 1,000 kWh per month and lives within the city limits from $68.34 to $71.85 in Phase One, and to $75.38 in Phase Two. A residential customer with the same usage outside the city limits would see his or her monthly bill rise from $70.29 to $73.90 in Phase One, then to $77.53 in Phase Two.

"Written consumer comments are an important part of our review process," said Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Susan L. Macey. "While our legal and technical case teams closely examine utility testimony and exhibits in any IURC rate case proceeding, consumer comments frequently help us to understand issues at the local level."

A copy of the city's testimony is available for public review at the Peru Public Library (102 E. Main St. in Peru). An electronic version can also be downloaded through the OUCC Website.

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments in this case no later than Monday, April 9. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43200, and can be submitted by mail, fax or the Internet:

• Mail: Consumer Services Staff
  Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
  100 N. Senate Ave., Room N501
  Indianapolis, IN 46204-2215
• Fax: (317) 232-5923
• E-mail: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
• OUCC Website: www.IN.gov/OUCC

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC's consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

"All written comments we receive before our filing deadline will be reviewed by our consumer services staff, along with our attorneys and the accountants, economists and engineers in our Electric Division," said Macey. "While we want to hear consumers' thoughts about this and other pending proposals, we also want people to know that our agency offers a wide range of free publications on utility service issues - including a guide to the regulatory process, tips for speaking out effectively on pending cases, and advice for saving money on energy and water bills. All of our publications are available on our Website or by calling us toll-free."

An IURC technical evidentiary hearing in this case is currently scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 24 in Indianapolis. While technical evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney and Commission questioning of technical witnesses that have filed testimony on behalf of the proceeding's formal parties. All hearing and filing dates are subject to change.

A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement would require IURC approval. The OUCC attempts to reach a fair agreement for consumers in each IURC case.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents utility consumer interests in state and federal regulatory proceedings. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC.

(IURC Cause No. 43200)

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