The Eastern Bartholomew Water Corporation has requested rate increase, and state officials want to hear from you.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is inviting written consumer comments on the utility’s request through May 9th. The agency, which represents consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, is scheduled to complete its review of the utility’s request and file testimony on May 16th.

Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. is a not-for-profit utility with more than 5,100 customers in Bartholomew, Decatur, and Jennings Counties. Its most recent base rate case concluded in 2008.

Under the utility’s request, the monthly water rate for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons would rise from $22.83 to $33.77. Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. is also seeking IURC approval to issue up to nearly $7.7 million in long-term debt. According to its testimony, the utility is seeking the changes due to higher operating and maintenance costs along with the need for capital improvements. They include: a new water treatment plant, a new storage tank, new office and maintenance buildings, new hydrants, meter replacements, main extensions, and GIS system mapping of the utility’s distribution system.

Consumers who wish to submit written comments may do so, no later than May 9th, at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm;

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

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44903.” Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.