The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments as it reviews the City of Crawfordsville's request for an increase in its municipal electric utility's 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 in this case but is scheduled to complete its review of the utility's request and file testimony with the Commission on January 5, 2010.
Two public events regarding the rate case are scheduled for Monday, December 21, 2009 in the Crawfordsville High School Auditorium (One Athenian Drive, Crawfordsville, Indiana):
- At 5:30 p.m., the OUCC will conduct an information meeting to discuss the regulatory process and describe public field hearing procedures.
- At 6:00 p.m., the IURC will conduct a formal public field hearing to accept oral and written consumer comments regarding Crawfordsville's electric rates. 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.
According to its testimony before the Commission, Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power is seeking $2.8 million in new annual operating revenues due to increases in operating and maintenance expenses. The utility's current base electric rates were approved in 1992.
Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power customers who wish to submit written comments regarding this case may send them 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
The OUCC needs to receive all consumer comments in this case no later than December 31, 2009. Written comments should include the consumer's name, mailing address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43773.
An IURC technical evidentiary hearing in this case is currently scheduled for January 27, 2010 in Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney and Commission questioning of technical witnesses that have filed testimony on behalf of the proceeding's formal parties.
All hearing and filing dates are subject to change. A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; the OUCC attempts to reach a fair settlement for customers in all rate cases.
For more information on this case, including the utility's testimony, please visit the OUCC's Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2584.htm. Tips for managing energy bills and additional information about the regulatory process are also available on the OUCC's site.
(IURC Cause No. 43773)
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC's mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC.