Two public events will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 regarding the request of Utility Center, Inc. - doing business as Aqua Indiana, Inc. - for increases in water and sewer rates for customers on its Southwest (Aboite) system. Both events will take place in the Community Room of Homestead High School, 4310 Homestead Road, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

• At 5:30 p.m., local time, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) will conduct an information meeting to discuss the regulatory process and describe public field hearing procedures.
  
• At 6:00 p.m., local time, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will conduct a formal public field hearing to accept oral and written consumer comments regarding Aqua Indiana's rates. The comments will become part of the evidentiary record considered by the IURC in reaching its final decision in the rate case. Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing.

Aqua Indiana - a wholly owned subsidiary of Aqua America, Inc. - serves approximately 11,000 water and 10,700 sewer customers on its Southwest system, including portions of Allen (Aboite, Lafayette and Wayne Townships) and Whitley (Jefferson Township) Counties.

In revised testimony filed with the IURC on February 22, 2008, Aqua Indiana indicates it is requesting the rate increases due to infrastructure improvements made to the Southwest system in recent years, including water treatment plant improvements, sewer treatment plant expansions, new water and sewer mains, new fire hydrants, new wells, new sewer lift stations and emergency electric generators. Aqua Indiana acquired Utility Center, Inc. in 2003 shortly after the utility's current base rates were approved.

For a residential customer using 5,000 gallons per month, the utility's current request would increase the monthly water bill from $17.82 to $32.20, the monthly sewer bill (if metered) from $24.77 to $43.41, and the monthly sewer bill (if non-metered and charged a flat rate) from $31.22 to $54.68.

This case would only affect rates and charges in Aqua Indiana's Southwest system. It would not affect rates for customers on the utility's former North system, which the City of Fort Wayne took possession of on February 12, 2008.

The OUCC - the state agency representing ratepayer interests in IURC proceedings - has not yet taken a position in the pending rate case. The OUCC currently has until May 16 to complete its review and file testimony with the Commission.

Consumers who are unable to attend the March 4 events are encouraged to submit written comments regarding the rate case to the OUCC. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43331. Consumers can send comments to the OUCC 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

Additional information on this case, including the utility's revised testimony, is available on the OUCC Website. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC's consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

Additional information about 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. 43331)

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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