Twin Lakes Utilities rate case: Consumer comments invited
IURC field hearing scheduled for Feb. 10
OUCC accepting written consumer comments through Feb. 25
Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. customers are invited to comment on the utility's pending request for water and sewer rate increases.
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 February 25, 2011.
The OUCC also encourages consumers to attend the IURC public field hearing scheduled for Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Jerry Ross Elementary School (11319 Randolph St., Crown Point, Indiana). The field hearing's public comment portion will begin at 6:00 p.m. local time.
- Sworn oral and written comments regarding the 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 session on the regulatory process and public field hearing procedures will start at 5:30 p.m. local time.
Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. - a wholly owned subsidiary of Northbrook, Ill.-based Utilities, Inc. - provides water and sewer utility service to approximately 3,200 customers in and near the Lakes of the Four Seasons community in Lake and Porter Counties.
In its testimony, Twin Lakes Utilities states that it is seeking the rate increases due to a large number of capital improvements including treatment plant projects, well rehabilitation, and main extensions, among other projects. According to Twin Lakes' testimony, the proposal would increase monthly water rates for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons from $21.85 to $31.39, while increasing the flat monthly residential rate for wastewater disposal service from $42.30 to $50.52. The utility's current rates were approved in January 2008.
The OUCC has not yet taken a position in this case. The agency is currently scheduled to complete its legal and technical review, and file testimony with the Commission on March 2, 2011.
The Lakes of the Four Seasons Property Owners Association has formally intervened in this case and is also scheduled to file testimony on March 2, 2011.
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. 43957. The OUCC will file all written comments it receives by February 25, 2011 with the IURC for inclusion in the case's official record.
For more information, please visit the OUCC Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2639.htm.
(IURC Cause No. 43957)
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.