Aqua Indiana rate case: Consumer comments invited
IURC field hearing scheduled for August 4 in Fort Wayne
OUCC accepting written consumer comments through August 24
Customers of Utility Center, Inc., doing business as Aqua Indiana, Inc., are invited to comment on the utility's pending request for increases to its water and sewer rates and charges.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) - the state agency representing consumer interests in all cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) - is accepting written consumer comments for the rate case record through Tuesday, August 24, 2010.
The OUCC also encourages consumers to attend the IURC public field hearing in this case, scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at Summit Middle School (4509 Homestead Road in Fort Wayne). The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.
- Sworn oral and written comments regarding the rate case will be accepted during the field hearing.
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Oral and written consumer comments carry equal weight, and will become part of the official evidentiary record considered by the IURC in reaching its final decision.
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Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing. (However, OUCC and IURC staff will be available throughout the evening.)
An OUCC informational meeting on the regulatory process and public field hearing procedures will precede the field hearing at 5:30 p.m.
Aqua Indiana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aqua America, Inc., provides water and sewer utility service to more than 12,000 customers in southwestern Allen County (Aboite and Wayne Townships) and a portion of Jefferson Township in Whitley County.
Under the utility's request, the monthly water bill for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons would rise from $32.90 to $38.31, with monthly metered sewer charges for the same customer increasing from $43.35 to $51.38.
Aqua Indiana states in testimony that it is seeking the increases due to higher operating and maintenance costs, and due to infrastructure improvements including treatment plant projects, new mains, pump station improvements and new hydrants. Current rates for Aqua Indiana were approved in August 2008.
The OUCC is reviewing Aqua Indiana's request and has not yet taken a position in this case. The OUCC is currently scheduled to file testimony on August 31, 2010.
The City of Fort Wayne has formally intervened in this case through legal counsel and is also scheduled to file testimony on August 31.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments in this case may send them to the OUCC by mail, fax or e-mail, or through the agency's Website:
All written comments should include the consumer's name, mailing address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43874. The OUCC will file all written comments it receives by the close of business on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 with the IURC for inclusion in the case's official record.
For more information on this case, including links to Aqua Indiana's testimony and exhibits, please visit the OUCC Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2616.htm. The OUCC Website also offers a guide to state utility regulatory proceedings, tips for reducing water and energy bills, and more.
(IURC Cause No. 43874)
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.
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