Two public events will be held on Tuesday, February 6 regarding the request of Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc (TLUI) for increases in its water and sewer rates and charges. Both events will take place at Jerry Ross Elementary School, 11319 Randolph St., Crown Point, 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. 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 proposal. 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.
  

TLUI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northbrook, Illinois-based Utilities, Inc. that serves approximately 3,100 customers in Lake and Porter Counties, primarily in Lakes of the Four Seasons. The utility's request would raise its flat monthly residential sewer rate from $40.27 to $47.61, while also raising its volumetric water rate. The water rate for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons would increase from $17.89 to $26.01.

TLUI indicates in testimony that it is seeking the rate increases to pay for capital improvements including treatment plant improvements, well rehabilitation, a sewer collection remediation study, sewer main replacements, and new hydrants. The utility's current rates were approved in March 2004.

A copy of the utility's formal testimony is available for public review at the Winfield Library; the OUCC Website also includes a link to electronic copies of the utility's filings.

The OUCC - the state agency representing consumer interests in IURC proceedings - has not yet taken a position in this case but expects to complete its review and file testimony on March 30. The Lakes of the Four Seasons Property Owners Association has also formally intervened in this case and requested the February 6 public field hearing.

Consumers who are unable to attend the February 6 events are encouraged to submit written comments to the OUCC in advance. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43128. Consumers can send comments to the OUCC 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. In addition, the OUCC offers a number of free consumer publications on utility service issues including a guide to the regulatory process, tips for providing effective comments on pending cases, and tips for saving money on utility bills. All OUCC publications are available by visiting the agency's Website or calling the agency toll-free.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents utility consumer interests in state and federal regulatory proceedings. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC.

(IURC Cause No. 43128)

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