FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – The public is invited to comment on the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed water rate increase.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is accepting written comments by October 23, or consumers may speak at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s (IURC) public field hearing in Fort Wayne on Monday, September 24. The hearing will start at 6 p.m. in the Homestead High School Auditorium (4310 Homestead Road).

To speak at the hearing, consumers are encouraged to arrive at 5:45 p.m. for an overview of field hearing procedures. During the hearing:

• Consumers will be able to speak directly to the Commission, under oath and on the record, regarding the case.
• Consumers will be able to submit written comments for the case record.
• Commissioners are not allowed to answer questions during the field hearing. However, OUCC staff will be available before, during, and after the hearing to address questions about the process.

The OUCC will review Fort Wayne’s request and file testimony on October 30, 2018.

Current water rates were approved in 2012. The City is proposing a five-phase increase, with the first phase to take effect next year. Under the request, monthly residential charges for 700 cubic feet (5,230 gallons) would rise as follows:

• Current 
  • $26.20 (in city)
  • $30.20 (out of city)
• Phase 1 (2019)
  • $27.73 (in city)
  • $31.64 (out of city)
• Phase 2 (2020)
  • $29.38 (in city)
  • $33.19 (out of city)
• Phase 3 (2021)
  • $31.14 (in city)
  • $34.91 (out of city)
• Phase 4 (2022)
  • $32.94 (in city)
  • $36.59 (out of city)
• Phase 5 (2023) 
  • $34.86 (in city)
  • $38.38 (out of city)

Consumers who wish to submit written comments can do so by mail at:

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

Comments can also be submitted online at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm or by email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov.

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 45125.”

For more details on the case, click here.