The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews Utilities, Inc’s rate increase requests for 2 of its wholly owned subsidiaries in northwest Indiana.

The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is reviewing the requests and has until next month to take positions in the cases.

Indiana Water Service, Inc. (IWSI) – Lake County

Utilities, Inc. is seeking a rate increase for its Indiana Water Service, Inc. customers in Merrillville, in the territory formerly served by Lincoln Utilities. This case is pending as IURC Cause No. 44097.

• The current monthly residential bill for an IWSI customer using 5,000 gallons of water is $16.99, according to IURC data.
• In its testimony, IWSI states that an average residential customer would pay $33.22 per month under its request.
• The utility says it is seeking the increase due to higher operating and maintenance costs, and capital improvements.
• IWSI’s current base rates were approved in 2001, and have had minor adjustments since to cover distribution system improvements and wholesale water cost changes.
• The OUCC is scheduled to complete its technical and legal review in this case, and file testimony on March 9, 2012.
• For more information, please visit the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2671.htm.

Water Service Company of Indiana (WSCI) – Jasper & Newton Counties

Utilities, Inc’s request in IURC Cause No. 44104 would raise water and sewer rates for customers in the territory formerly served by the Jasper-Newton Utility Company near Roselawn.

• A WSCI customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month currently pays $22.24 for water and $44.28 for sewage disposal service, according to IURC data.
• In a customer notice, WSCI states that its request would raise an average residential customer’s bill to $44.33 for water and $69.67 for sewer service.
• The utility says it is seeking the increase due to higher operating and maintenance costs, and capital improvements.
• WSCI’s current water rates were approved in 2006, while its sewer rates have been in effect since 2000.
• The OUCC is scheduled to complete its technical and legal review in this case, and file testimony on March 15, 2012.
• For more information, please visit the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2676.htm.

IURC technical evidentiary hearings in both of these cases are scheduled for mid-April 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 are invited to submit written comments in these cases through 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 clear reference to the case.  The OUCC needs to receive consumer comments in these cases by March 6 to ensure that they are included in the case record.

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494. The OUCC’s Website (www.IN.gov/OUCC) also offers a number of utility consumer publications at no charge, including tips for saving water and energy, and a guide to the regulatory process.

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(IURC Cause Nos. 44097, 44104)

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.