Public Hearing Set for Citizens Sewer Rate Case

Those that can't attend can send written comments by Jan. 15.

Residents of Marion County will have the chance to give public comment on the proposed sewer rate increase by Citizens Energy Group. A public hearing by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is scheduled for January 12.

Citizens is currently proposing a two-phase rate increase for sewage disposal services, which would generate $87 million in new annual operating revenue. The utility says a monthly sewer bill for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month would rise from $38.35 to $57.99 in July 2016 and to $61.58 in July 2017.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor has not yet taken a position on the case but is scheduled to file testimony on January 22.

The IURC’s public field hearing will be held in the Emmerich Manual High School auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on January 12. An informational meeting from the OUCC on field hearing procedures and the regulatory process will start at 5:30.

Those that cannot attend the meeting may send written comments to the OUCC by January 15. Click here to find more information on sending written comments.

Late last year, Citizens reached a proposed settlement with the OUCC regarding an increase in water rates. That case is still under review by the IURC and has no effect on the sewer rate case.