UPDATE: The OUCC and South Haven Sewer Works have reached a settlement agreement in this case, which is still pending before the IURC. For more information, please click here.

 

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the request of South Haven Sewer Works, Inc. for an increase in its rates and charges.

The OUCC - the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) - has not yet taken a position on the utility's request but is currently scheduled to complete its review and file testimony in this case on Tuesday, October 30. Consumers who wish to provide written comments on the case in the meantime may submit them to the OUCC's consumer services staff via mail, e-mail or fax.

South Haven - a for-profit entity with approximately 3,700 customers in Porter County - is seeking IURC permission to raise its flat, monthly residential rate for sewage disposal service from $64.95 to $70.71. In its testimony, the utility indicates it is seeking the increases to pay for a number of capital improvements - most of which are required under a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The utility's current rates were approved in November 2005.

An IURC public field hearing in this case is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10 at Paul Saylor Elementary School, 331 Midway Drive, Valparaiso, Ind. The field hearing will start at 6:00 p.m., local time, with an OUCC information meeting to begin at 5:30 p.m.

This case's public file is available for review on the IURC Website (www.in.gov/iurc), by visiting http://www.in.gov/iurc/portal/Tab.aspx?tabid=28&dn=SEARCHDOCKETEDCASE and entering docket number 43310.

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments in this case no later than Friday, October 26. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 43310," and can be submitted by mail, fax or the Internet:

• Mail: Consumer Services Staff
  Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
  115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South
  Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Fax: (317) 232-5923
• E-mail: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
• OUCC Website: www.IN.gov/OUCC

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC's consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

Additional information on the regulatory process and other utility consumer topics - including a guide to understanding sewer rates - is available on the OUCC Website (www.IN.gov/OUCC) or by calling the agency toll-free.

 

(IURC Cause No. 43110)

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents residential and business consumer interests in cases before state and federal utility regulatory commissions. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC.

 

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