Public Comment Open For NIPSCO’s Planned Rate Increase
The state agency representing energy consumers is seeking feedback on a proposed natural gas rate increase from Merrillville-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. When the request was announced earlier this year, NIPSCO said the increase would be the first in over 25 years and could boost annual revenue by more than $140 million, or nearly 23 percent.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is hosting public field hearings on the request, the first of which is scheduled for December 11 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. It is also accepting written comments through January 17 and expects to file testimony with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission January 24.
NIPSCO says the increase will help pay for higher operating and maintenance costs, as well as "numerous" system upgrades. You can read more about the public comment process from the OUCC by clicking here.