UPDATE: An IURC order in this case was issued on Aug. 30, 2006.

OUCC News Release, issued May 12, 2006:

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is reviewing the proposal of Cataract Lake Water Corporation to increase 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 proposal but is currently scheduled to file its written report in the case on Thursday, July 5. Written consumer comments on the proposal are invited and may be submitted to the OUCC's consumer services staff via mail, e-mail or fax.

The utility's request would increase the monthly water bill for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons from $24.98 to $29.95. Cataract Lake Water Corporation - a non-profit entity serving approximately 1,200 customers in Putnam and Owen Counties - indicates in its filing that it is seeking the increase to cover higher operating and maintenance expenses, and to pay for capital improvements. The utility's current rates were approved in 1995.

Cataract Lake Water Corporation 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, resulting in the need for less assistance (or none at all) from rate consultants or attorneys.

The standard for OUCC and IURC reviews of small utility filings is the same that applies to traditional rate case filings. The OUCC conducts its review on behalf of consumer interests, while state law requires the IURC to balance utility and customer interests in reaching a final decision.

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.

A consumer who wishes to provide written comments in this case should do so in advance of the OUCC's July 20 filing deadline and include his or her name and address, along with a reference to "IURC Cause No. 43016-U." The OUCC accepts written consumer comments by mail, fax and 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.

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. 43016-U)

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