Water-rate increase hearing scheduled

Customers of Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. have two opportunities to comment on the utility’s pending 48 percent rate increase.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will have a public hearing at 7 p.m. May 18 at the Taylorsville Elementary School cafeteria, 9711 Walnut St.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is continuing to accept written comments that should be mailed to Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204 by June 14. Comments also can be emailed to [email protected] by the June 14 deadline to be included in the record. Links to comment are also available at in.gov/oucc/2361.htm.

The Taylorsville-based utility is making its first request for a rate increase in nine years. If approved, a household that uses 5,000 gallons of water a month would see its bill rise from $22.83 to $33.77, according to the rate-increase petition.

The utility is seeking the increase to offset higher operating and maintenance costs, along with the need for capital improvements, including a new water treatment plant, a new storage tank, new office and maintenance buildings and new hydrants. In addition to the rate increase, the utility wants approval for up to $7.7 million in long-term debt.