TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — While the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission considers a rate increase for Duke Energy customers, the public is invited to weigh in on the topic.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor will hold a public field hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at South High School auditorium, 3737 S. 7th St. in Terre Haute. Those planning to attend should arrive no later than 5:45 for an overview of hearing procedures and the rate case process.
During the field hearing, Duke Energy customers will have the opportunity to speak directly to the IURC, under oath and on the record. Commissioners will not be allowed to answer questions about the case; however, OUCC staff will be available before, during and after the hearing to address questions about the process.
If approved, Duke Energy’s proposal would increase its annual operating revenues by $395 million – a rate increase of approximately 15.5 percent – when fully phased in.
According to Duke Energy, its request would raise a monthly residential electric bill for 1,000 kilowatt hours from $120.30 to $142.95 if and when the proposed increase is fully implemented.
In it’s testimony, the utility company has stated that it is seeking the new rates due to increases in operating and maintenance costs. Part of those costs include plans to retire certain coal-fired generation units earlier than originally scheduled, tree trimming and vegetation management costs, plug-in electric vehicle incentives and additional improvements throughout the state’s transmission and distribution system.
For those unable to attend the public field hearing in Terre Haute, additional hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 at the Carmel High School auditorium, 520 E. Main St. in Carmel; and at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the Floyd County Consolidated School Corp., facilities service center, 2801 Grant Line Rd. in New Albany.
Written comments for the case record are also being accepted through 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 Cosumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 45253” or Duke Energy. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
Written comments are due by Oct. 23.
The OUCC is scheduled to file testimony on Oct. 30, and a final order in the case is expected in April 2020. The OUCC is posting case updates online at
www.in.gov/oucc/2927.htm
.
