Public hearing on Aqua Indiana rate increase

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Customers of Aqua Indiana are invited to a public hearing regarding the utility's request to increase its rates.

Aqua Indiana , a wholly owned subsidiary of Aqua America, Inc., provides water and sewer utility service to more than 12,000 customers in southwestern Allen County (Aboite and Wayne Townships) and a portion of Jefferson Township in Whitley County.

Under the utility’s request, the monthly water bill for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons would rise from $32.90 to $38.31, with monthly metered sewer charges for the same customer increasing from $43.35 to $51.38.

Aqua Indiana says the increases are due to higher operating & maintenance costs as well as infrastructure improvements including treatment plant projects, new mains, pump station improvements, and new hydrants. Current rates for Aqua Indiana were approved in August 2008.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is reviewing Aqua Indiana’s request and has not yet taken a position in this case. The OUCC is the state agency that represents consumer interests in all cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission . 

Customers are encouraged to attend a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, at Summit Middle School (4509 Homestead Road in Fort Wayne). The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.

An informational meeting on the regulatory process and public hearing procedures will be held at 5:30 p.m.

 

According to the ORCC, sworn oral and written comments will be accepted during the field hearing. Oral and written consumer comments carry equal weight, and will become part of the official evidentiary record considered by the IURC in reaching its final decision.

Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing. However, OUCC and IURC staff will be available throughout the evening.

 

The OUCC is accepting written consumer comments on the case through Tuesday, August 24.

Mail:
Consumer Services Staff
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Fax:
(317) 232-5923

E-mail:
uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov

 

All written comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43874.

The OUCC will file all written comments it receives by the close of business on Tuesday, August 24, with the IURC for inclusion in the case’s official record.

 

For more information on this case, including links to Aqua Indiana’s testimony and exhibits, click here .

The OUCC Website also offers a guide to state utility regulatory proceedings, tips for reducing water and energy bills, and more.