The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the City of Martinsville’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 July 24, 2012.

Martinsville’s current water rates were approved in 2006. The city’s request would raise the monthly water bill for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons from $21.16 to $31.52. The request would also eliminate the current surcharge for customers in the Morgan-Monroe Forestry Area. According to its testimony, the utility is seeking the changes due to increased operating and maintenance costs including distribution system improvements, tank painting, and a new city garage (with one-third of the garage’s construction costs to be funded through water rates).

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 technical evidentiary hearing is scheduled for August 23, 2012 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. 44153.” Comments received by July 17, 2012 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 testimony, please visit the OUCC Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2697.htm.

The OUCC’s Website also offers a number of utility consumer publications at no charge, including tips for saving water and energy.