Times Staff Report

OGDEN DUNES | The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is seeking public feedback on a rate increase proposed by the Ogden Dunes Municipal Water department.

The town filed a petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on May 16 to increase water rates and charges from $60.08 to $76.91 per three-month billing period for customers using 15,000 gallons of water.

The OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the commission, hasn't taken a position yet on the town's request but anticipates completing its review and filing its report in the case Sept. 4, according to an OUCC press release.

The OUCC needs to receive all written comments from consumers regarding the proposed increase no later than Aug. 30. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 43295-U," and can be submitted by mail to Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor,115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204, fax at (317) 232-5923, e-mail at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov or through the OUCC Web site: www.IN.gov/OUCC/contact/index.html.

The town indicates in its filings to the commission that it's requesting the increase to pay for capital improvements and to cover increases in operating and maintenance costs. Current base water rates for Ogden Dunes were approved in 1985, with a wholesale water tracker in place since 1987.

An electronic copy of Ogden Dunes' filing is available online through the home page of the OUCC Web site: www.IN.gov/OUCC.

The commission will hold a prehearing conference Aug. 21 in Indianapolis on the rate increase. It hasn't determined if a public hearing will be held on the town's request.

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC's consumer services staff toll-free at (888) 441-2494.