The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), wants to hear from customers who will be affected by rate changes proposed by Brown County Water Utility.
The utility’s proposed changes would result in an 8.8 percent increase over the company’s current revenue. However, rates for BCWU residential customers would decrease by 14.2 percent.
Meanwhile, rates for BCWU’s commercial and industrial water customers would rise by 35.6 percent, while wholesale rates charged to the Town of Nashville would rise by 154.1 percent under the utility’s request. The Town of Nashville provides water to around 1,300 customers.
The Town of Nashville has formally intervened in the case.
According to its testimony, BCWU is seeking the changes due to higher operating and maintenance costs and to pay for capital improvements including main, hydrant, valve, meter and service line replacements.
Brown County Water Utility is a not-for-profit entity providing service to more than 5,300 retail customers. Its current base rates were approved in 2015.
The OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through Friday, July 19. Comments will become part of the case record. They can be made online at in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by email at [email protected], or by mail at: Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 45210.”
An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19 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. A final decision in the case is expected in 2019.
Updates on this case are being posted on the OUCC’s website at in.gov/oucc/2505.htm.
