Wanted: Public input from NIPSCO natural gas customers

E-mail from Indiana Senator Tom Wyss:

Wanted: Public input from NIPSCO natural gas customers
Consumers can share views, learn about proposed gas rates at meetings

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) customers are invited to attend an informational meeting and a public hearing next week to share opinions and learn about the utility company’s pending request for natural gas rate changes.

Two meetings will be held on Monday, July 26, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne:

• At 5:30 p.m., the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) will conduct an informational meeting to discuss the regulatory process and describe public field hearing procedures; and
• At 6 p.m., the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will conduct a formal public field hearing to accept oral and written consumer comments regarding NIPSCO’s natural gas rates.

Earlier this year, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission – a regulatory agency whose responsibilities include oversight of the telecommunications industry in Indiana – received a request from NIPSCO to begin including new and fixed monthly charges on residential natural gas bills. According to NIPSCO, proposed changes will help pay for operating, maintenance and infrastructure costs.

NIPSCO’s request must be reviewed by OUCC – a state agency representing the interests of residential and business utility consumers in cases before state and federal regulatory commissions – and approved by the IURC.

Public input provided to the IURC and OUCC will be included in official records used to make final decisions regarding NIPSCO’s request. Consumers who are unable to attend a public meeting can submit written remarks before August 9, 2010. Written comments need to include a name, mailing address and reference to IURC Cause No. 43894.

Remarks can be delivered via U.S. Mail, fax, e-mail or by visiting the OUCC’s website:

• Mailing address: Consumer Services Staff
  Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
  115 W. Washington St.
  Suite 1500 S.
  Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Fax number: 317-232-5923
• E-mail address: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
• Website: www.IN.gov/OUCC

Consumers may visit www.in.gov/oucc/2621.htm for more information.

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