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Water Rate Comments Sought: Rate Hikes to Pay for Improvements, Maintenance.

Posted on: Thursday, 6 April 2006, 15:00 CDT

By The News-Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Apr. 6--Have an opinion on the city's plan to raise water rates? The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, or OUCC, wants to hear from you.

OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in all cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, is reviewing the city's proposal to increase its water rates and charges. OUCC is scheduled to file testimony June 19. Consumers who want to provide written comments on the proposal may submit them to the OUCC via mail, e-mail or fax.

Under the proposal, the monthly water bill for a residential customer who lives within the city limits and uses approximately 5,200 gallons would rise from $14.17 to $17.73; residential customers outside the city limits using the same amount would see their bills increase from $16.31 to $20.37.

In addition, the city is requesting permission to issue up to $31.9 million in long-term debt. The utility indicates, in its testimony before the commission, it is seeking the changes to pay for increases in operating and maintenance expenses, along with capital improvements -- including filtration plant projects, new meters, hydrant replacements and water main repairs and replacements. Current rates were approved in 2001.

A settlement is possible, and while it would be subject to the commission's approval, the OUCC says it tries to reach a fair deal for residential and business consumers.

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Hearing planned

What: Public hearing on city's proposal to increase water rates case

When: 6 p.m. May 17

Where: City-County Building, 1 E. Main St.

Note: The OUCC will conduct an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. -- immediately before the field hearing -- to explain hearing procedures and answer questions.

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Send your thoughts

Consumers wishing to submit written comments on the city's proposal to raise water rates should do so by June 19. Include your name and address, along with a reference to "IURC Cause No. 42979." The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor accepts written comments by mail, fax and the Internet.

-- Mail: Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 100 N. Senate Ave., Room N501, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2215

-- Fax: 1-317-232-5923

-- E-mail: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov [http://uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov]

-- On the Web: http://www.IN.gov/OUCC/contact/index.html [http://www.IN.gov/OUCC/contact/index.html]

Consumers with questions can contact the OUCC toll-free at 1-888-441-2494. In addition, the OUCC offers several free publications on utility consumer issues -- including a summary of the state regulatory process and tips for reducing water and energy bills. All publications are available on the agency's Web site or by calling the agency.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The News-Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.

Source: The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.)

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