NIPSCO Electric Rate Case (2022/2023)
NIPSCO is seeking a base rate increase for its electric utility in IURC Cause No. 45772. In its initial request, NIPSCO sought a two-phase increase to be fully implemented in 2024 and implementation of a new tracker - or adjustable rate mechanism – next year. The initially proposed base rate increase and tracker would have raised annual revenues by approximately $395 million.
- Utility Testimony (Initial Request)
NIPSCO filed its petition and the following testimony on Sept. 19, 2022:
- Hooper
- Whitehead
- Shikany
- Blissmer
- Camp
- Bly
- Gode
- Baryenbruch
- Talbot
- Carmichael
- Campbell
- Augustine
- Cartella
- Kopp
- Spanos
- Rea
- Harding
- Bartos
- Taylor
- Siegler
- Becker
The utility's accounting work papers and additional exhibits are posted on the Commission's website.
- Public Input
The OUCC invites written public comments in all pending cases before the IURC. Comments must be received one week before the OUCC's testimonial deadline. The OUCC filed nearly 800 written consumer comments with its Jan. 20, 2023 testimony.
This case also included two IURC public field hearings, one in December 2022 in Hammond, and the other in Valparaiso in January 2023. The OUCC issued a Nov. 29, 2022 news release to invite comments.
- OUCC Testimony
The OUCC filed the following testimony on Jan. 20, 2023, recommending that the proposed increase be reduced by nearly $150 million. OUCC recommendations would also keep the electric utility's flat, monthly residential customer service charge at its current $13.50 level. The utility's proposal would raise the charge to $17.00.
- Settlement Agreement
The OUCC and a number of additional parties have reached a settlement agreement in this case, filed with the IURC on Mar. 10, 2023.
The case’s current schedule includes a Mar. 17, 2023 deadline for the settling parties to file testimony supporting the agreement.
Any agreement before the IURC may be approved, denied, or modified. To approve any agreement, the IURC must find that it is in the public interest.
NIPSCO’s original request would have raised an average monthly residential electric bill – at 668 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month – by $19.69. Under the agreement, the increase would be limited to $12.37 when fully phased in next year. The monthly residential customer charge would rise from $13.50 to $14.00, instead of the $17.00 charge the utility had proposed.
An IURC settlement hearing is scheduled to start on Apr. 26, 2023. A final Commission order is expected this summer.
NIPSCO current electric base rates received Commission approval in 2019. Natural gas rates are not at issue in this case.
All dates are subject to change.
This page will be updated based on case developments. The OUCC's monthly newsletter will provide additional updates.
3-13-23