The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor has scheduled a public hearing regarding the City of Lafayette's request before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to increase water rates. The public is invited to attend and comment on the proposed two-phase increase, the first municipal water rate increase requested since 2001.
An overview of field hearing procedures and the rate case process will begin at 5:45 P.M., followed by the field hearing at 6:00 P.M. where consumers will be able to speak directly to the Commission, under oath and for the record, regarding the rate case.
Lafayette's proposed increase would raise water rates in two phases. Monthly water charges for an in-city residential custom...er using 5,000 gallons would rise from $12.13 to $16.51 when a Commission order is issued, and to $18.31 when the Phase Two rates take effect.
The City of Lafayette has been able to maintain safe drinking water with responsible operational and fiscal management of the utility for the past 16 years. The rate increase proposed is needed to pay for the significant infrastructure needs that have arisen in Lafayette’s water system since its last rate increase. The rate is also needed to cover the rising costs of energy, chemicals, labor, insurance, and other costs that have increased over the nearly 16 intervening years.
Click here for the complete news release from the OUCC.