Comments sought on proposed Brown County Water rate-hike

If you would like to comment on the rate changes requested by Brown County Water Utility, Inc., you now have that opportunity.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, is reviewing the utility’s request and is scheduled to file testimony on July 26th.

Along with its legal and technical review, the OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through July 19th.

Brown County Water Utility is a not-for-profit entity providing service to more than 5,300 retail customers. Its current base rates were approved in 2015.

The utility’s proposal would raise its overall rates by nearly $302,000, an 8.8 percent increase over current revenues. However, rates for Brown County Water Utility residential customers would decrease by 14.2 percent. Rates for Brown County Water Utility commercial and industrial customers would rise by 35.6 percent, while wholesale rates charged to the Town of Nashville would rise by 154.1 percent under the utility’s request.

Brown County Water officials say the utility is seeking the changes due to higher operating and maintenance costs and to pay for capital improvements. These include main, hydrant, valve, meter, and service line replacements.

The Town of Nashville has formally intervened in the case. Any testimony it may file is also due on July 26th.

Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s website at in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by email at [email protected], or by mail at:

Consumer Services Staff
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South
Indianapolis, IN 46204

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than July 19th.

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 45210.” Do not include account numbers or other sensitive information. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.

An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled for September 19th at the PNC Center, located at 101 West Washington Street in Indianapolis. A final decision in the case is expected sometime this year.

Updates on this case are being posted on the OUCC’s website at in.gov/oucc/2505.htm.