Dant Chesser encourages public comment on proposed Duke Energy rate increase

This spring, Duke Energy filed a rate request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). If approved, the new proposed rate could raise Duke Energy residential customers' monthly electric bills by as much as 19%. Duke Energy serves approximately 900,000 customers across Central and Southern Indiana.   

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is currently accepting written public comments on the Duke Energy case. Individuals have until July 5 to submit their comments. 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. The IURC is scheduling a public hearing in New Albany, but the date has yet to be determined.  

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) released the following statement on Duke’s proposed increase:  

“Every Hoosier wants and deserves access to reliable, affordable electricity.  And especially in these hot, humid months, they spend a large chunk of their paycheck on utility bills. That’s why it’s essential Hoosiers have a say in the price they’re paying for service. The public comment period is the opportunity we must take to have our voices heard on this issue of a rate increase.  Many Hoosiers live paycheck to paycheck, and any increase could force choices on paying for utilities, or gas, or groceries or prescriptions. 

“We are pushing our utility providers to go green, which requires investments in infrastructure to be made. However, raising rates isn’t something taken lightly since it makes vital utilities less affordable.  I encourage the residents of House District 71 to submit their comments and attend the hearing in New Albany.”