Boy invites public comment on proposed NIPSCO rate increases

This fall, the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) filed two separate petitions with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). The first petition would allow the utility company to construct a 400-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant. The construction and financing for the new plant – located in Wheatfield, IN – would cost approximately $641.2 million. If approved, NIPSCO would recover these costs through increases to their electric utility rates – which would be adjusted as frequently as every six months. 

The second petition would change the monthly rate for NIPSCO’s natural gas utility. The average customer’s monthly bill would increase from $16.25 to $25.50. Both petitions are currently under review by the IURC and pending approval.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is currently accepting written public comments on the pending NIPSCO cases. Individuals have until Dec. 19 to comment on the natural gas case and until Jan. 24 to comment on the electric case. Written comments can be submitted via the OUCC’s online submission form, by email at [email protected], or by mail to 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204. 

State Rep. Pat Boy released the following statement on the proposed NIPSCO increases: 

“I think it’s important to share the public comment opportunity on the potential NIPSCO rate increases. This is the only chance we’ll get to provide input on these rate cases until they’re set in stone. A lot of people don’t understand the difference between the IURC and the OUCC, but they should know that the OUCC fights for consumers. They are an agency that represents the best interests of the public by fighting for reasonable prices and quality services. 

“By raising rates – and doing it so frequently – vital utilities become less affordable. Everyone deserves affordable access to heat and electricity. I encourage residents of my district to submit their written comments to the OUCC.”