Lawson: NIPSCO rate hike request focus of public hearing on Mon., Dec. 14

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will hold a public field hearing on Mon., Dec. 14, at the Hammond High School Auditorium (5926 Calumet Ave.) [get a map] at 6 p.m. local time to gather testimony about a rate hike sought by NIPSCO, according to State Rep. Linda Lawson.

Staff members of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Councselor (IOUCC) will conduct an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m., immediately before the field hearing.

During this Dec. 14 hearing:

consumers will be able to speak directly to the IURC members, under oath and on the record;

consumers will also be able to submit written comments for the case record;

comments will carry equal weight whether they are oral or written;

IURC members are not allowed to answer questions during the field hearing; however, IOUCC staff will be available before, during and after the hearing to address process-related questions.

NIPSCO provides electric service to more than 461,000 customers in 20 counties. The utility’s request would raise a monthly residential bill for 1,000 kWh from $126.18 to $137.28 and an average monthly residential electric bill for 689 kWh from $91.40 to $101.92, according to the IOUCC’s calculations.

“The [utility’s] request would give NIPSCO a $126.8 million increase in overall annual operating revenues, which is an increase of nearly 9.2 percent over current revenues,” according to the IOUCC.

NIPSCO has stated it needs the higher rates in order to pay for increased operating and maintenance costs, as well as to pay for replacement of all meters throughout their service area, technology upgrades, and other capital improvements.

NIPSCO consumers who wish to submit written comments may do so through Jan. 15, 2016, via the IOUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail, email or fax:

Mail: Consumer Services Staff
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Ste. 1500 S.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Email: [email protected]

Fax: (317) 232-5923

Written comments the IOUCC receives by Jan. 15, 2016, will be filed with the Commission and included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44688.”

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the IOUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

For more information on this case, including links to NIPSCO’s testimony, please visit www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm. The page will be updated based on case developments.