The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor encourages customers of Aqua Indiana’s Darlington Water Division to comment in the utility’s pending rate case. The division includes nearly 300 customers in Montgomery County.
On Feb. 18, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will hold a public field hearing in the case. The hearing will start at 6 p.m. at the Darlington Community Center, 105 Franklin St.
Customers will be able to speak directly to the commission, under oath and on the record, during the hearing. They may also submit written comments for the case record.
No final decision will be made at the Feb. 18 hearing. This case applies only to Aqua Indiana’s Darlington utility.
The OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the IURC, is using its legal and technical resources to review the utility’s request. OUCC testimony is due on Feb. 20.
Aqua Indiana’s request would raise its minimum monthly residential water rate for 6,000 gallons from $46.69 to $57.49. The utility cites operating and maintenance cost increases in its filing, along with infrastructure improvements including main replacements. Aqua Indiana, Inc. bought the former Darlington Water Works Company in 2006.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record — either before or after the IURC hearing — may do so via the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by 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 Feb. 19 so that it can: consider them in preparing its testimony and file them with the commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record.
Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 45314-U.” Please do not include account numbers and other sensitive information. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
Rates and charges for Aqua Indiana’s other service territories are not at issue in this case. Updates are being posted on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2805.htm. Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/2877.htm.
