UPDATE: The IURC issued a final order in this case on March 26, 2008. A PDF copy of the six-page order is available by clicking here.

OUCC News Release, issued Dec. 14, 2007:

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the request of South Lawrence Utilities, Inc. for an increase in its water 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 Thursday, January 17, 2008. 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.

Current water rates for South Lawrence Utilities - a non-profit entity with approximately 2,100 customers in Lawrence County - were approved in 2001. Under the utility's proposal in this case, the monthly residential water bill for a customer using 5,000 gallons would increase from $46.45 to $58.22.

In its testimony, South Lawrence states that the additional revenue under its request would pay for increases in operating and maintenance costs, debt service costs, and a three-year capital improvement program. Infrastructure improvements under the utility's proposal include water tower painting, main looping (connections of mains that currently dead-end), and a comprehensive leak survey to address unaccounted-for water issues throughout its 200-mile distribution system. Proposed improvements also include pump and well refurbishments, new water mains, the installation of a new security system, and meter, fire hydrant and service truck replacements.

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments in this case no later than Monday, January 14, 2008. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 43324," 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.

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 43324.

Additional information on the regulatory process and other utility consumer topics - including tips for saving money on water and energy bills - is available on the OUCC Website or by calling the agency toll-free.

 

(IURC Cause No. 43324)

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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