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.”
Their recommendations include reducing monthly fixed charges on residential natural gas bills from $17.59 to $12 (rather than raising these charges to the requested $21.50).
The utility’s rebuttal testimony is due on May 3. An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled to start on May 24. A final IURC order is expected later this year.
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More information about the Vectren North rate case can be found at www.in.gov/oucc/featured-topics/vectren-north-gas-rates/.
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Vectren is a wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy.
CenterPoint announced in early March that it will retire the Vectren name and transition over to using the CenterPoint name and logo for customers in both Indiana and Ohio.
The company stated that the transition will be "gradual" and includes updating the name and logo on various company assets such as buildings, trucks and uniforms.
The plan is for the transition to be finished in late April, with the addition of CenterPoint Energy’s name and logo on customer-facing assets such as the bill, website and automated phone system.
Customers should still visit vectren.com to access account information online and call 1-800-227-1376 to report emergencies or reach company representatives.
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