OUCC seeks utility rate reduction instead of hike

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is asking the state to reduce a utility's rates rather than allow another rate hike as public uproar mounts over rising utility bills.

The OUCC is asking state regulators to reject the $192.9 million rate increase AES Indiana is seeking in Indianapolis. It instead is asking for a $21.2 million reduction to the utility's current base rates.

“AES Indiana has not demonstrated sufficient evidence for an increase in this rate case, which it filed less than 14 months after receiving commission approval in its last rate case. My team is recommending additional reductions that would reduce the utility’s current rates and help lessen the burden on ratepayers,” said Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Abby Gray. “We received thousands of consumer com