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Last updated on Monday, September 26, 2016
(BLOOMINGTON) - The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has completed another step in the process of seeking a water rate increase after filing a rate case with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) on September 22.
The IURC now has up to 300 days to approve the proposed 22 percent across-the-board increase without changes or use its authority to make an adjustment.
This water rate increase would be the Utility's first since 2011.
The proposed rate, if approved by the IURC, would most likely go into effect no later than January 2018. The typical Bloomington residential customer using 3,000 gallons per month would see the water portion of their CBU bill increase by $4.02.
"We intend to use the additional revenues to maintain the Utility's financial integrity, address much needed capital improvements, and maintain compliance with water quality standards," said CBU Director Vic Kelson.
Bloomington has three categories of capital improvements proposed in its rate case:
The IURC is required to hold at least one field hearing in Bloomington, for which the public will receive prior notification. During the entire process, the public's interest is represented by the Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor. Public comments about the rate increase can be submitted at the OUCC's website, www.in.gov/oucc.
"No one likes rate increases, but they provide revenues that, among other things, allow the utility to replace infrastructure that has exceeded its useful life and to keep up with existing infrastructure maintenance. A rate increase is the only way to ensure that CBU has the resources required to protect Bloomington's water system, now and in the future," said Mayor John Hamilton.
To find updates about Bloomington's case before the IURC, go to https://myweb.in.gov/IURC/eds/ and enter 44855 as the Cause Number. The final document filed with the IURC can also be viewed on the City's website at bloomington.in.gov/utilities under "Information on the 2016 Rate Study."
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