WBIW.com News - local

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Public Hearing Scheduled Nov. 28 For Bloomington Water Rate Increase

Last updated on Tuesday, November 22, 2016

(BLOOMINGTON) - The state’s Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is inviting written comments on Bloomington’s proposed water rate increase and also will hold a public hearing on the proposal.

Consumers of City of Bloomington Utilities water will be able to speak directly to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission during a hearing starting at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 in the auditorium at Tri-North Middle School, located at 1000 W. 15th St.

Bloomington's current water rates were approved in 2011. Under the city's request to hike rates by 22 percent, monthly water charges for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons per month would increase from $22.09 to $26.93 if the customer lives within the city limits. An out-of-city residential customer with the same usage would see his or her water charges rise from $23.19 to $28.27. The city also is seeking the state agency's approval to issue up to $4.6 million in bonds.

The rate increase is intended to address increases in operating and maintenance costs, aging water mains, needed treatment plant improvements and additional proposed capital improvements.

As of January 1, 2016, the average monthly residential rate for water utilities under IURC jurisdiction was $31.48 for 5,000 gallons.

The utility consumer counselor's office - the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the IURC - is scheduled to complete its review of the city's request and file testimony on December 15, 2016.

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

Mail may be sent to: Consumer Services Staff Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204

People also can send email to uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov or fax to (317) 232-5923

Consumers should include their name, mailing address and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 44855" and must send all written comments by Dec. 8.

People with questions about submitting written comments can contact the agency's consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.The agency will post case updates on its website at in.gov/oucc/2629.htm.fice

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page