CenterPoint Energy Electric Rate Case
CenterPoint Energy's electric utility is requesting a three-phase rate increase in a IURC Cause No. 45590. The utility initially proposed an approximately $118.8 million (16%) increase to annual revenues. It adjusted its request to $115,4 million in rebuttal testimony filed on Apr. 9, 2024.
The OUCC is recommending a substantial reduction to CenterPoint Energy's request in testimony filed on Mar. 12, 2024. The legal and technical analysis by the OUCC showed that an increase of $33.2 million (4.5%) is warranted based on the case's evidence and applicable law, primarily due to major capital improvements that have received preapproval in prior IURC cases. In corrections filed on Apr. 25, 2024, the OUCC revised its recommendation to $48.3 million.
The case's procedural schedule outlines the expected schedule. Additional dates include:
- Apr. 9, 2024: CenterPoint Energy is scheduled to file rebuttal testimony.
- Apr. 30, 2024: An IURC evidentiary hearing begins. The hearing's purpose is to allow for attorney cross-examination and Commission questioning of technical witnesses who have filed testimony for the case's formal parties. Most evidentiary hearings are streamed live on the Commission's website.
- June/July 2024: Closing briefs are due from the formal parties.
- Fall 2024: A Commission order is expected.
Most rate cases take approximately 300 days to complete, and a final order from the IURC is not expected until this fall 2024. The OUCC's timeline outlines the steps in the process.
Natural gas rates and services are not at issue in this case.
All publicly filed documents in this case (Cause No. 45990) are available on the IURC's website.
- Utility Testimony (Initial Request)
- Public Comments
The OUCC issued a Jan. 29, 2024 news release to invite comments.
Written Comments
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s online submission form, by email at uccinfo@oucc.in.gov, or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments by Mar. 5, 2024.
Public Hearing
The IURC has scheduled a public field hearing in this case for Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at the Old National Events Center Plaza (715 Locust Street, Evansville) in the Locust Room. The hearing will include 2 sessions: an afternoon session beginning at 2 p.m. local time, and an evening session beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time.
Comments offered at the field hearing will carry the same weight as written consumer comments the OUCC receives by March 5.
A copy of the OUCC's informational handout provided at the Feb. 29 hearing is available here.
- OUCC Testimony
In the following testimony, the OUCC recommends denial of the utility's request to raise its flat monthly customer charge for residential and small commercial customers. The OUCC's recommendations would also reduce the utility's 10.4% authorized return on equity to 8.8%:
Along with its testimony, the OUCC has filed more than 2,300 written consumer comments for the case's formal record. In addition, 78 consumers spoke at the IURC's Feb. 29, 2024 public field hearing in Evansville.
The OUCC's Mar. 13, 2024 media release has additional information.
All publicly filed documents in this case (Cause No. 45990), including testimony from intervening parties, are available on the IURC's website.
This page will be updated based on case developments.
4-26-24