Moed thrilled at IURC ruling on utility moratorium and denial of increased rates

INDIANAPOLIS- State Representative Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) today released the following statement in response to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission's (IURC) ruling that denied Indiana utility companies' request to increase rates to seek recovery of lost revenue and extended the utility moratorium in Indiana.

Moed sent a letter [linked here and included below] back in May urging the IURC to deny Indiana utility companies' plan to seek a rate increase approval to make up for lost revenue during the pandemic.  In his original letter he stated, “Now is not the time to hurt those who are already struggling by shifting the burden of these short-term losses to families and small businesses.”

The IURC announced today that they have denied a portion of a petition submitted by ten Indiana utility companies requesting an increase in utility rates to aid these companies in recovering lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also decided to temporarily prohibit any utility disconnections until August 14, 2020 to help Hoosiers. Additionally, the Commission is requiring all Hoosier utility companies to offer extended payment plans of at least six months to all customers to aid individuals who are struggling to pay their utility bills.

“We continue to experience unprecedented unemployment rates and our economy needs time to recover.  This decision will bring a sigh of relief to so many Hoosier families and small business owners that are facing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moed said.

“I want to thank the Commission for making the necessary choice to protect the Hoosier people.”