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| [OUCC] Fort Wayne water rate case: State utility consumer advocate accepting public comments |
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| Start Date: | 4/10/2012 | |
| End Date: | 4/10/2012 | |
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Entry Description
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the City of Fort Wayne’s request to increase its municipal water utility’s rates and charges.
The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is reviewing the utility’s request and has not yet taken a position in this case. The OUCC is scheduled to complete its review and file testimony with the Commission on June 1, 2012.
Fort Wayne’s pending proposal would increase water rates in three phases. A residential customer using 700 cubic feet (approx. 5,200 gallons) of water per month would see his or her water bill rise as follows:
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Current
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Effective Upon IURC Order
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Effective Jan. 1, 2014
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Effective Jan. 1, 2015
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In-City
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$17.73
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$21.68
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$23.59
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$24.77
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Out-of-City
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$20.37
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$24.90
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$27.06
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$28.46
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The city is also proposing to issue up to $40 million in long-term debt. According to its testimony, the utility is seeking the changes due to a number of capital improvements (including water main repairs and replacements, filtration plant improvements, a new transmission main for the service territory’s northern area, and the installation of more than 6,000 new, automated meters).
Fort Wayne’s current water rates were approved in September 2006. While the city’s water rates are at issue in this case, state law does not give the IURC jurisdiction over municipal sewer rates.
An IURC public field hearing in Fort Wayne is tentatively planned for May 31, with the time and location to be determined.
An IURC technical evidentiary hearing is scheduled for July 13 in Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney cross-examination and Commission questioning of technical witnesses who have filed financial or engineering testimony.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments in this case may do so via the OUCC’s Website at www.IN.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail, email or fax:
- Mail: Consumer Services Staff
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South
Indianapolis, IN 46204
- email: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
- Fax: (317) 232-5923
Written comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 44162." Comments received by May 25 will be filed with the IURC for inclusion in the case’s formal record.
Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494. For additional information on this case, including a copy of the utility’s filing, please visit the OUCC Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2705.htm.
The OUCC’s Website also offers a number of utility consumer publications at no charge, including tips for saving water and energy.
# # #
(IURC Cause No. 44162)
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC’s mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving.
To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC or follow us at www.twitter.com/IndianaOUCC.
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Location Information:
Allen County
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Entry Category:
Announcements |
IN.gov Category:
Law & Justice |
Agency Name
Utility Consumer Counselor, Indiana Office of |
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