INDIANAPOLIS — Public input regarding Citizens Energy Group (CEG) proposal to increase sewerage rates is encouraged at a IURC public hearing scheduled for Jan. 17 at the New Augusta Public Academy North Auditorium, 6450 Rodebaugh Rd. at 5:45 p.m. OUCC inviting written consumer comments through Jan. 18.
CEG’s sewer utility provides service to approximately 242,000 customers in Marion County. In its testimony and exhibits, CEG attributes the requested increase to major infrastructure projects that are needed to comply with a federal consent decree. Under the consent decree, the utility must eliminate at least 95 percent of the city’s combined sewer overflows by the end of 2025.According to CEG’s testimony and exhibits, the request would raise the monthly sewer rate for a metered residential customer using 5,000 gallons from $50.71 to $62.24 when a Commission order is issued. The rate would rise to $65.18 in August 2020 and $67.31 in August 2021.
Rates for metered customers include both flat and volumetric components. Under CEG’s proposal, the monthly base charge that does not vary by usage would rise from $18.75 to $21.95 when an order is issued, $22.99 in 2020, and $23.74 in 2021. The current monthly minimum sewer rate of $37.92 would rise to $46.12 when a Commission order is issued, $48.30 in August 2020, and $49.88 in August 2021.
CEG is also proposing the creation of a low-income sewer assistance program. It would provide discounts for income-eligible customers and would be funded through a monthly 79-cent surcharge on each residential, commercial, and industrial sewer bill. The surcharge would be assessed in addition to the proposed rate increases. The program would also include a fund for voluntary customer contributions.
The utility’s proposal would raise sewer rates in three phases, increasing its total annual operating revenues by $65.5 million (or approximately 24.7 percent more than current sewer revenues).
Consumers may send written comments to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) by Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, and/or speak at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission meeting. Consumers will be able to speak directly to the Commission, under oath and on the record, regarding the case. Consumers will also be able to submit written comments for the case record. Commissioners are not allowed to answer questions. However, OUCC staff will be available before, during, and after each hearing to address questions about the process.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, via email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov, or by mail at: Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Jan. 18. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 45151.” Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494. Please do not include account numbers or other sensitive information.