JACKSON CO. – The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) invites public comments on Jackson County Water Utility’s pending rate request through Jan. 30, 2025.
The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is using its technical and legal resources to review the utility’s proposal. Formal testimony from the OUCC is due Feb. 6, 2025.
According to Jackson County Water’s testimony and exhibits, the utility’s proposal would raise monthly rates for a residential customer using 4,000 gallons from $50.40 to $62.35. The utility is also seeking Commission authority to issue up to $7 million in long-term debt. In its filing, Jackson County Water cites higher operating and maintenance costs and the need for infrastructure improvements, specifically the need to construct new water wells to comply with federal and state environmental requirements.
Jackson County Water’s current rates and finances received IURC approval in 2023.
A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement, if reached, would require IURC approval.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Consumer comments will be included in the formal case record for Commission review. Comments should not contain sensitive or personal information as comments will become viewable and searchable online once posted to the IURC’s online case file. Consumers with questions about commenting can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, so it can:
- Consider comments in preparing its testimony and
- File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, town, zip code, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 46156” or “Jackson County Water.” 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 to start on Mar. 26, 2025. While open to the public, participation in evidentiary hearings is limited to attorney and Commission questioning of technical witnesses for the case’s formal parties. Hearings requiring cross-examination are live-streamed at www.in.gov/iurc/watch-the-iurc-live/.
The OUCC is posting case updates online at www.in.gov/oucc/watersewer/key-cases-by-utility/jackson-county-water-utility-rates/. Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/news/.
