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UPDATE: An IURC order in this case was issued on Dec. 20, 2006.
OUCC News Release, issued Aug. 3, 2006:
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the request of Rhorer, Harrell & Schacht Roads Water Corporation for an increase in its rates and charges.
The OUCC - the state agency representing consumer interests in all 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 its written report in the case on Monday, October 16. Consumers who wish to provide written comments on the proposal in the meantime may submit them to the OUCC?s consumer services staff via mail, e-mail or fax.
Rhorer, Harrell & Schacht Roads Water Corp. - a not-for-profit utility serving 265 residential customers southeast of Bloomington - is seeking its first base rate increase since 1979 in order to cover higher operating and maintenance costs. The utility also intends to seek permission, in a separate proceeding, to implement a "tracker" to cover increases in wholesale water charges.
For an average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month, the utility's proposals would increase the monthly bill from $15.10 to $21.53.
Rhorer, Harrell & Schacht Roads Water Corp. has applied for the rate increase using the state's small utility filing procedure. This procedure is available to utilities with fewer than 5,000 customers and is designed to reduce the time and expense involved with regulatory filings. Savings are gained by allowing utility staff to use standardized forms and the utility's resulting need for less assistance from rate consultants or attorneys. The standard for OUCC and IURC reviews on small utility filings is the same that applies to traditional utility filings. The OUCC conducts its review on behalf of consumers, while the IURC's review is conducted on behalf of the public interest (a balancing of utility and customer interests). A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement would require IURC approval. The OUCC attempts to reach a fair agreement for consumers in each IURC case.
"Written consumer comments are important to our review process," said Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Susan L. Macey, noting that Indiana law designates the OUCC as a formal party to all IURC cases. "While our legal and technical case teams closely review every proposal before the IURC, consumer comments frequently help us in understanding issues at the local level."
Interested consumers can review a copy of the utility's filing in the Indiana Room of the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, Indiana.
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments in this case no later than Monday, October 16. Comments should include the consumer's name and address - along with a reference to "IURC Cause No. 43080-U" - and can be sent by mail, fax or the Internet:
- Mail: Consumer Services Staff
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
100 N. Senate Ave., Room N501
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2215
- 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.
All written comments received before the OUCC's filing deadline will be reviewed by agency staff who are reviewing the utility's proposal from technical and legal perspectives. In addition, the OUCC offers a wide range of free publications on utility service issues - including a guide to the regulatory process and tips that can help consumers save money on water and energy bills. All OUCC publications are available on the agency's Website or by calling the agency toll-free.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents utility consumer interests in state and federal regulatory proceedings. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC.
(IURC Cause No. 43080-U) |