The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is encouraging Water Service Company of Indiana (WSCI) customers to comment on the utility’s pending rate case.

The OUCC – which represents consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is accepting written consumer comments for the case record through May 11.

In addition, an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) public field hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Lincoln Elementary School Gymnasium (10280 North 450 East, DeMotte, Ind.). The hearing’s public comment portion will begin at 6:00 p.m., local time.

• 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 allowed to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing. (However, OUCC and IURC staff will be available before during and after each hearing.)

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

WSCI - a wholly owned subsidiary of Utilities, Inc. – provides water and sewer service in the area near Roselawn formerly served by the Jasper-Newton Utility Company.

• WSCI’s request would increase water and sewer bills by substantial amounts.
• The utility says, in its filings, that it is seeking the increases due to higher operating and maintenance costs, and capital improvements.
• WSCI’s sewer rates have been in effect since 2000; its current water rates were approved in 2006.

The OUCC is reviewing WSCI’s request and will file testimony on May 16, 2012.

Consumers who cannot attend the field hearing may provide written comments to the OUCC 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

Written comments on the rate case should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 44104."

For more information on the WSCI case, please visit the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2676.htm.

Another Utilities, Inc. subsidiary – Indiana Water Service, Inc. (IWSI) – is also requesting a rate increase for its Merrillville service territory in IURC Cause No. 44097. A public field hearing in the IWSI case will be held on April 30 in Merrillville.

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(IURC Cause No. 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 or follow us at www.twitter.com/IndianaOUCC.