Public Comment On Sycamore Gas Rate Hike Needed By July 24

The proposed increase in this case would only apply to the utility’s base distribution rate, which makes up most of residential customer’s monthly heating bill.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - If you would like to comment on Sycamore Gas Company’s requested rate increase, here’s your opportunity.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), is reviewing the utility’s request and is scheduled to file testimony on July 31, 2018.

Along with its legal and technical review, the OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through July 24, 2018.

Sycamore Gas Company is a privately owned utility providing service to more than 6,400 customers in Dearborn, Franklin, and Ohio Counties, including the municipalities of Brookville, Greendale, Lawrenceburg, Rising Sun, and West Harrison. Its pending request would raise its annual non-gas-cost operating revenues by nearly $774,000, or approximately 9 percent.

Sycamore Gas Company’s current base rates were approved in 2007. According to its testimony, the utility is seeking the increase due to higher operating and maintenance costs, along with capital projects including service extensions, distribution line improvements, meter replacements and installations, a new headquarters, and projects at its city gate stations, where it draws natural gas from interstate pipelines.

The proposed increase in this case would only apply to the utility’s base distribution rate, which comprises 58 percent of a typical Sycamore Gas Company residential customer’s monthly heating bill. Base distribution rates cover “non-gas” costs such as operating and maintenance expenses, and capital infrastructure improvements. The rest of a typical monthly heating bill pays for the natural gas itself, which the utility recovers on a dollar-for-dollar basis subject to OUCC review and IURC approval every 3 months.

Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record 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 July 24, 2018 so that it can: 1) Consider them in preparing its testimony and 2) 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. 45072.” Please do not include your account number. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 3, 2018 at the PNC Center (101 W. Washington St.) in Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney and Commission questioning of technical witnesses. A final decision in the case is expected either in December 2018 or January 2019.

Updates on this case are being posted on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2483.htm.