UPDATE: An IURC order in this case was issued on Aug. 23, 2006.
OUCC News Release, issued May 8, 2006:
Ft. Wayne municipal water utility customers are encouraged to attend two events on Wednesday, May 17 regarding the city's requested water rate increase. Both events will be held in Omni Room 250 at the City-County Building, One Main St., Ft. Wayne, Indiana:
- From 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., local time, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) will conduct an information meeting and answer consumer questions regarding the rate case. In addition to answering consumer questions during the half-hour meeting, OUCC staff will discuss the regulatory process and describe public field hearing procedures.
- At 6:00 p.m., local time, - immediately following the OUCC information meeting - the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will conduct a formal public field hearing to accept oral and written consumer testimony regarding the city's proposed rate increase. The comments will become part of the evidentiary record considered by the IURC in reaching its final decision. Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing.
The city?s proposal would increase a monthly residential water bill from $14.17 to $17.73 for a residential customer who lives within the city limits and uses 700 cubic feet (approx. 5,200 gallons) per month. The bill for a residential customer with the same usage outside the city limits would rise from $16.31 to $20.37. Current water rates for Ft. Wayne's municipal utility were approved in 2001. The city is also seeking IURC permission to issue up to $31.9 million in long-term debt and indicates in testimony that it is requesting the changes to cover higher operating and maintenance expenses, while paying for capital improvements including filtration plant projects, new meters, hydrant replacements, and water main repairs and replacements.
The OUCC - the statutory representative of consumer interests in all cases before the IURC - has not yet taken a position in this case but is currently scheduled to file testimony on Monday, June 19.
Consumers who are unable to attend the May 17 information meeting and field hearing are encouraged to submit written comments to the OUCC in advance of the events. Comments should include the consumer's name, address and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 42979," and can be submitted 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. 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.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents the interests of all utility consumers and the public in matters related to the provision of utility services. The agency is active in proceedings before regulatory and legal bodies, and committed to giving consumers a voice in the creation of utility service policy. Residential, commercial and industrial customers with questions or concerns regarding utility service can contact the OUCC toll-free at 1-888-441-2494 or online at www.IN.gov/OUCC.
(IURC Cause No. 42979)
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