COLUMBUS, Ind. — A state agency is recommending denial of CenterPoint Energy’s request for a natural gas rate increase for those in the Vectren North service territory, which includes Columbus.
On March 31, seven witnesses from the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (which represents’ customers interests in rate cases) filed testimony with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in this case. The OUCC is recommending denial of Vectren North’s request.
“This case’s evidence demonstrates that the utility has made significant investments in infrastructure improvements in recent years, which were needed to improve the gas distribution system’s safety and reliability. However, the evidence demonstrates savings and opportunities for savings that more than offset the need for the requested rate increase,” said Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Bill Fine in an official statement.
Vectren North’s request would raise annual revenues by $20.8 million in two phases. The utility’s testimony states that the request is due to higher operating and maintenance costs, and $818 million in infrastructure investments since 2008.
The OUCC stated that the agency’s analysis shows that a rate reduction of $26.9 million is “justified based on the case’s current evidence and applicable law.”
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
