Hearings Set On Rate Increases

In May, Indiana Michigan Power announced a massive $600 million plan to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission it says would create a “smarter energy grid” for the state.

The “Innovate Indiana” plan comes with a proposed 11.75 percent rate increase for consumers; that number factors in a $4.50 increase in its service rate, from $10.50 per month to $15. The increase would give I&M the second highest service charge in the state, just under Indianapolis Power & Light ($17/month).

So if your bill regularly comes out around $120 per month, that could increase to roughly $141. I&M says the increase is necessary in order to modernize the state’s energy structure.

The regulatory commission will host three public forums across the state where residents can ask questions and express concerns:

• Thursday, July 11 at South Bend’s Century Center;

• Monday, July 15 at Ball State’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center in Muncie;

• Tuesday, July 16 at Purdue-Fort Wayne’s Walb Student Union.

•  

All three meetings start at 6:00 pm eastern time. Residents who can’t attend the meetings can submit their questions or concerns to Indiana’s Office of Utility Consumer Counselor by August 13.