Use your voice: next public hearing in the NIPSCO rate hike case
Dear Neighbor,
This Thursday, Dec. 5, there will be two opportunities for public comment in NIPSCO’s electric rate hike case. The details of the two field hearings are below:
Hammond Field Hearing Details:
WHEN: December 5, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. local time
WHERE: Hammond City Hall (Council Chambers Room 209), 5925 Calumet Avenue, Hammond, IN 46320
Gary Field Hearing Details:
WHEN: December 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. local time
WHERE: Gary Public Library (Woodson Branch), 501 South Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403
Consumers are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early for an overview of procedures and processes for the rate case and public field hearing.
The Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has recently filed a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to raise the electric rates for consumers. The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is holding a series of public field hearing for citizens to share their comments and concerns on this rate hike proposal. The OUCC is the state agency that represents consumers in utility rate cases.
NIPSCO’s request would raise the average rate for consumers by an estimated $32 per month. According to Citizens Action Coalition, that increase could be closer to $45 per month. This includes an increase in the flat monthly connection charge for each residential customer from $14.00 to $25.00. 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 2025.
This rate hike would place significant financial strain on hard-working Hoosiers already struggling to afford the ever-increasing cost of living. At the same time, it would increase annual revenues for the company by $368.7 million, which is 20.5%, according to the OUCC. I implore all who are able to attend this public hearing to voice their concerns about this increase.
For more information on the proposed rate hike, please read the following article by Capital B Gary: Your NIPSCO Bill Could Increase in 2025. Here’s How Much.
If you cannot attend in person, you can submit written comment on the NIPSCO rate case 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
Please note that all comments should include: the consumer's name, city, zip code, and reference to either "IURC Cause No. 46120" or "NIPSCO Electric Rates."
The OUCC needs to receive all written comments no later than Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. If you have any questions about commenting, contact the OUCC's consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494. To stay informed on any case updates, visit www.in.gov/oucc/electric/key-cases-by-utility/nipsco-electric-rates/nipsco-electric-rate-case/.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out to my legislative office at 317-234-9041 or H1@iga.in.gov.