Consumers are invited to comment on the Columbia City Municipal Water Utility’s request for an increase in its rates and charges.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) – the state agency representing consumer interests in all cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is accepting written consumer comments for the case record. The OUCC also encourages customers to attend the IURC’s upcoming public field hearing in this case, scheduled for Thursday, March 8, 2012, at the Columbia City Common Council Chambers (112 S. Chauncey St.).

The field hearing’s public comment portion will begin at 6:00 p.m.

• Sworn oral and written comments regarding the rate case will be accepted during the field hearing.

• Oral and written consumer comments carry equal weight, and will become part of the official evidentiary record considered by the IURC in reaching its final decision.

• Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing. (However, OUCC and IURC staff will be available before, during and after the hearing.)

An OUCC informational session on the regulatory process and public field hearing procedures will start at 5:30 p.m., local time.

Columbia City’s request would raise monthly water charges for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons from $23.70 to $32.46. The city is also proposing to issue up to $2 million in long-term debt and indicates in its filing that it is seeking the changes due to increases in operating and maintenance costs, along with capital improvements. Columbia City’s current water rates were approved in 2006.

Only the city’s water rates are at issue in this case. State law does not give the IURC jurisdiction over municipal sewer rates.

The OUCC is reviewing the city’s request, has not yet taken a position, and anticipates filing its report with the IURC on April 5.

Consumers who are unable to attend the field hearing are encouraged to submit written comments to the OUCC, either online 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

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments by March 30. 2012 so they can be included with its report.

For more information on this case, including the utility’s filing, please visit the OUCC Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2688.htm.

(IURC Cause No. 44127-U)

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.