Bloomington Municipal Water rate case: Consumer comments invited

IURC field hearing scheduled for November 3 in Bloomington
OUCC accepting written consumer comments through November 15

Bloomington Municipal Water Utility customers are encouraged to provide comments on the utility's pending request for a rate increase and new financing authority.

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 case record through November 15, 2010.

The OUCC also encourages consumers to attend the IURC public field hearing scheduled for Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at the Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center (302 S. College Ave.) The field hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.

• Sworn oral and written comments regarding the Bloomington water rate case will be accepted during the field hearing.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing. (However, OUCC and IURC staff will be available before, during and after the hearing.)

An OUCC informational meeting on the regulatory process and public field hearing procedures will be held at 5:30 p.m., immediately preceding the field hearing.

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 OUCC's Website:

• 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

All written comments should include the consumer's name, mailing address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43939. The OUCC will file all written comments it receives by the close of business on November 15, 2010 with the IURC for inclusion in the case's official record.

The OUCC has not yet taken a position in this case. The agency is reviewing the city's request and is scheduled to file testimony on November 17, 2010.

Bloomington's current water rates were approved in 2005. In testimony, the city indicates it is seeking changes to its rates and finances to pay for infrastructure improvements. The city is seeking IURC permission to issue up to $42 million in long-term debt.

The city's pending request would affect a residential customer's monthly water charges for 5,000 gallons as follows:

	Current	New rates upon issuance of IURC order	New rates upon issuance of bonds
In City	$15.20	$18.61	$23.43
Out of City	$15.96	$19.54	$24.61

Only the city's water rates, charges and finances are at issue in this case. Indiana law does not give the IURC jurisdiction over municipal sewer rates.

For additional information on this case, including a copy of the utility's testimony, please visit the OUCC Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2629.htm.

The OUCC's Website also offers a number of utility consumer publications at no charge, including tips for saving water and energy.

 

(IURC Cause No. 43939)

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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