Regulators Agree on Citizens Rate Increase
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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 Utility Regulatory Commission has approved a wastewater rate hike by Indianapolis-based Citizens Energy Group. The utility expects the increase to be approximately $14 per month for the average residential customer. April 24, 2014
Statement From Indianapolis-based Citizens Energy Group
“Citizens Energy Group is pleased the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved a rate increase for its wastewater utility. The exact impact of the rate increase will be determined in a few days, but it is expected to be less than $14 per month for the average residential customer. We are concerned about the impact of rate increases and have programs in place to help those in need.
Underinvestment over the past 100 years has resulted in an antiquated sewer system that is discharging four billion gallons of raw sewage per year into waterways. The wastewater rate increase will allow Citizens to continue our program to virtually eliminate sewer overflows by the year 2025. It will also allow us to continue eliminating failing septic tanks that are endangering human health and the environment across Marion County.”
Source: Citizens Energy Group
April 24, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (April 23, 2014) – The following statement regarding today’s Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) order in the Citizens Energy Group (CWA Authority) sewer rate case may be attributed to Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor David Stippler:
“We realize rate increases are never popular. However, today's order will allow the sewer utility to complete a number of major infrastructure projects that are vital to public health. The projects requested in the sewer case received a full review from the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). Based on our review, our staff recognizes that the projects reflect a reasonable approach to addressing the city's combined sewer overflow problems. It is important to note that many of the projects are required under a federal consent decree, and to remember that Indianapolis is not alone in its need to address public health issues directly connected with having an antiquated wastewater collection and treatment system.
“The Commission's further actions today regarding executive compensation are consistent with last month’s order in the Citizens Water rate case. These are certainly appropriate actions and will continue to be reviewed in the Commission’s separate investigation (Cause No. 44462).”
(IURC Cause No. 44305)
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.
Visit us at www.IN.gov/OUCC, www.twitter.com/IndianaOUCC, or www.facebook.com/IndianaOUCC.
Source: The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor