SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments on Jackson County Water Utility’s pending rate request until Jan. 30.
The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is using its technical and legal resources to review the utility’s proposal. Formal testimony from the OUCC is due Feb. 6.
According to Jackson County Water’s testimony, the utility’s proposal would raise monthly rates for a residential customer using 4,000 gallons from $50.40 to $62.35. It also seeks authority to issue up to $7 million in long-term debt. In its filing, Jackson County Water cites higher operating/maintenance costs and the need for infrastructure improvements, specifically to construct new water wells to comply with federal and state environmental requirements.
Jackson County Water’s current rates and finances received IURC approval in 2023.
A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding and if such an agreement is reached, it would require IURC approval.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm or by mailing them to 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. 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, Jan. 30. Comments should include the consumer’s name, town, zip code, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 46156” or “Jackson County Water.”
An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled to start on Mar. 26.
The OUCC is posting case updates online at www.in.gov/oucc/watersewer/key-cases-by-utility/jackson-county-water-utility-rates/. Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/news/.
