Consumer comments invited in Cataract Lake Water Corp. rate case

Sunday, February 26, 2017

For consumers who would like to comment on the proposed Cataract Lake Water Corp. rate increase, your chance is at hand.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting written consumer comments on the request through April 27. The OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), is scheduled to file its report in this case on May 4.

The current Cataract Lake Water Corp. rates were approved in 2009. Under its pending request, the monthly water bill for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons would rise from $36.78 to $45.68.

The not-for-profit utility, which provides service to nearly 1,200 customers in Putnam and Owen counties, cites proposed capital improvements along with increased operating and maintenance costs in its filing with the IURC.

Specific projects in the utility’s filing include new meters, pump replacements, well cleaning, storage tank cleaning and painting.

More information on this case is available at www.in.gov/oucc/2576.htm.

Consumers who wish to submit written comments may do so via the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail, email, or fax:

• Mail: Consumer Services Staff

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor

115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South

Indianapolis, IN 46204

• email: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov

• Fax: (317) 232-5923

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than April 27 so it can consider them in preparing its report and file them with the commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record.

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44897-U.”

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

Cataract Lake Water Corp. is seeking the rate increase through the state’s Small Utility Filing Procedure, which is available to utilities with fewer than 5,000 customers and is designed to reduce the time and expense involved with regulatory filings. Savings are gained by allowing utility staff to use standardized forms resulting in utilities needing less assistance from rate consultants or attorneys.

The standard for OUCC and IURC reviews on small utility filings is the same that applies to traditional utility filings. The OUCC conducts its review on behalf of all utility consumers while the IURC’s review is conducted on behalf of the public interest (a balancing of utility and customer interests).

A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement, if reached, would require IURC approval.

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