COLUMBUS, Ind. — A public field hearing is planned at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at Hotel Indigo for Columbus city utility customers who would like to make a comment to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor about the city’s proposed water rate increase.
If the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approves the rate increase, it could take effect around August 2021.
Current water rates for Columbus were approved in 1992. The city is proposing a three-phase increase. If approved water residential charges for a customer using 5,000 gallons per month would increase in August from $11.43 to $16.60. Those charges would later increase to $19.41 in January 2023 and $20.65 in January 2024.
The increase is needed for operating and maintenance costs and will be used to repay $22.2 million in bonds to pay for new wells, a new storage tank and distribution mains, lab and treatment plant improvements, new meters and more.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, which represents consumer interests in cases before the IURC, is scheduled to file testimony on the case Dec. 11.
Those who wish to submit comments are strongly encouraged to do so in writing. The office will include comments received by Dec. 8 in its public testimonial filing with the IURC and the comments become part of case evidence.
Comments may be sent to in.gov/oucc/2361.htm by email to [email protected] or by mail to: Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
All comments are due by Dec. 8 and should include the consumer’s name, mailing address and a reference to IURC Cause No. 45427 or Columbus City Utilities. Those with questions may call 888-441-2494.
Those who wish to speak in person at the Dec. 2 field hearing in the Belvedere Room of Hotel Indigo are urged to consider speaking by phone. Those who attend will be required to wear a mask and comply with CDC social distancing guidelines.
Those who wish to speak may pre-register by calling 317-232-5888 no later than noon Dec. 2.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
