If you would like to comment on Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO’s) recently filed electric rate case, you have the chance to do so.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), is inviting written consumer comments for the official case record through Dec. 12, 2024.
NIPSCO’s request would raise annual revenues for its electric utility by approximately $368.7 million. The flat, monthly connection charge for each residential customer would rise from $14.00 to $25.00. The volumetric portion of the bill would also rise. The utility’s testimony and exhibits project that an average monthly residential electric bill would rise to $166.90 for customers using 714 kWh and to $223.61 for customers using 1,000 kWh when new rates are fully implemented in March 2026. [*]
In its testimony, the utility states it is seeking the increase to pay for new generation facilities and infrastructure projects throughout its transmission and distribution system.
The utility’s current base rates were approved in August 2023.
NIPSCO serves more than 487,000 electric customers in 20 counties. Natural gas rates are not at issue in this case.
OUCC analysts and attorneys are reviewing the utility’s testimony and exhibits and anticipate filing testimony on Dec. 19, 2024. Public comments are invited in writing through Dec. 12, 2024.
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 or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Consumer comments will be included in the formal case record for Commission review. Comments should not contain sensitive or personal information as comments will become viewable and searchable once posted to the IURC's online case file. Consumers with questions about commenting can contact the OUCC's consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, so that it can: 1) Consider them in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, city, zip code, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 46120” or “NIPSCO Electric Rates.”
In addition, the OUCC has filed a pending request for two IURC public field hearings to be held in the utility’s service territory. Comments offered at field hearings carry equal weight with written consumer comments the OUCC receives and files for formal case records.
Several additional parties have intervened in this case, including the Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, NLMK Indiana, and United States Steel Corporation. Any testimony they file will be due in mid-December.
The OUCC is posting case updates online at www.in.gov/oucc/electric/key-