OUCC Reviewing Electric Vehicle Sharing
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is accepting written comments on a proposed rate hike for Indianapolis Power & Light Co., which would support the city's proposed electric vehicle sharing program. Plans call for $16 million in startup costs to be recovered through a 44 cent increase in the average residential customer's monthly bill. May 27, 2014
News Release
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting written comments on Indianapolis Power & Light Co’s. (IPL’s) request for changes in its rates and charges, aimed at facilitating the City of Indianapolis’ proposal to create an electric vehicle sharing program for public use.
The OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), is reviewing the utility’s request and is scheduled to file testimony with the Commission on June 20, 2014.
Under the proposal, the City of Indianapolis and the Paris, France-based Bollor? Group would develop and implement BlueIndy, a public car-sharing program using electric vehicles with charging stations to be placed in service at about 200 sites throughout Marion County by the end of 2016. According to testimony filed by IPL and the City, the project’s start-up costs would include a $16 million investment to be recovered through IPL’s rates. Costs include the provision of electric line extensions to the sites (approximately $3.7 million) and the installation of BlueIndy charging stations and related equipment at the sites (about $12.3 million). In its request for IURC approval of an alternative regulatory plan, IPL estimates the proposal would raise an average residential customer’s bill (for 1,000 kilowatt hours) by 44 cents per month.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments in this case 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 June 13, 2014 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. 44478.”
An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2014 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 technical witnesses who have filed written testimony on behalf of the case’s formal parties.
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. 44478)
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: Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor