State Wants Feedback on Possible Utility Rate Hikes
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is seeking public input on proposed rate increases for Anderson Municipal Light & Power customers. The utility is looking to raise more than $720,000 in additional annual revenue. August 7, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting written comments from Anderson Municipal Light & Power (AML&P) customers on the utility's pending rate case.
The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is reviewing the utility's request and has not yet taken a position in this case. The OUCC is scheduled to complete its review and file testimony on October 4, 2013.
AML&P's request would raise the monthly electric bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) from $102.24 to $104.90; this would include an increase in the flat monthly customer charge from $5.84 to $10.00 and decreases in volumetric charges for usage above 500 kWh. The utility is also requesting IURC authority to issue up to $1.53 million in long-term debt. According to its testimony, the city is seeking the changes due to higher operating and maintenance costs, and to pay for future capital improvements and the purchase of a substation from American Electric Power (AEP).
Anderson's current municipal electric rates were approved in 2008. If approved, the request would increase the electric utility’s annual operating revenues by approximately $720,500. Anderson’s municipal water and wastewater rates are not at issue in this case.
An IURC technical evidentiary hearing in this case is scheduled for November 26, 2013 at the PNC Center (101 W. Washington St.) in Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney and Commission questioning of expert witnesses who have filed technical testimony on behalf of the case’s formal parties.
For more information on this case, including the utility's testimony, please visit www.in.gov/oucc/2469.htm.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments may do so via the OUCC’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., Suite 1500 South
Indianapolis, IN 46204
email: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
Fax: (317) 232-5923
Written comments the OUCC receives by September 27, 2013 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. 44308.”
Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
(IURC Cause No. 44308)
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC’s mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving.
Source: The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor