This proposal ensures customers are only paying costs as NIPSCO incurs them, and the associated savings of approximately $6 per month will be passed directly back to customers providing a more real-time benefit to customers. If a plan is approved, the utility may then seek incremental rate increases as the projects proceed. The program opens on October 1 for online and mail-in applications. Natural gas utilities buy gas for their customers in a competitive wholesale market. Columbia Gas of Ohiois preparing its response to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio staff report filed on April 6, 2022 in its rate case. Electric: For any electric emergency, including a downed power line, power outage or other electric-related situation, please call 1-800-464-7726. The cause number is 45621. NIPSCO is investing $840 million through 2023 in new renewable energy generation, the utilitys announcement said. input, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Report The price raise would be would be phased in starting in late 2023. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (IERA): Provides up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance for renters. Program allowing customers to voluntarily buy renewable energy credits. NIPSCO and other gas utilities may also recover federally required pipeline safety costs through a rate tracker. Generating cleaner electricity from renewable energy projects and upgrading its electric grid are some of the key factors leading to NIPSCOs request with the IURC to adjust its base electric rates next year. The OUCC's monthly newsletter will provide additional updates. Public comments can be made online at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by email at uccinfo@oucc.in.gov, or by mailing: Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington Street, Suite 1500 South. Trackers State law allows natural gas and electric utilities to seek IURC approval of 5-to-7-year plans for infrastructure improvements. Township Trustees: A limited amount of energy assistance funds are available through local Township Trustee offices. Natural Gas: If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other gas emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and thenour emergency number 1-800-634-3524. View NIPSCO's rate case order Frequently asked questions Why now? It will affect bills for September, October, and November. Do you have questions on statewide topics. The average NIPSCO residential customer who uses a total of 615 therms during the five-month heating season Nov. 1 through March 31 could expect to pay about $661 during that time, compared. *Source: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commissions 2021 Residential Bill Survey. NIPSCO's current gas TDSIC plan received Commission approval in July 2020. State law allows natural gas and electric utilities to seek IURC approval of 5-to-7-year plans for infrastructure improvements. There are short-term costs associated with this electric transition, which will deliver customer cost savings over the long term. NIPSCO customers are encouraged to contact their local Township Trustee to see what help may be available. Electric: For any electric emergency, including a downed power line, power outage or other electric-related situation, please call 1-800-464-7726. Indiana law allows utilities to adjust rates every three months to recover changes in those costs, which can go up or down. input. We are investing approximately $840 million in renewable energy projects to be completed by the end of 2023, as well as approximately $700 million in electric transmission and distribution system upgrades, and safety and reliability initiatives with plans for future, continued investments. This page will be updated based on case developments. The utility's initial request would have increased overall annual revenues by $109.7 million (per. This estimated change . An average residential customer pays about $120 now for using. A portion of this new program would be funded by NIPSCO. These costs comprise a significant portion of a residential bill and are recovered through the Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA) process. All comments received before the deadline will be submitted as part of the OUCC's testimony and become part of the Commission's formal case record. All dates are subject to change. Base Rates Base rates made up about 87 percent of a typical NIPSCO residential electric bill as of July 2022. Electric: For any electric emergency, including a downed power line, power outage or other electric-related situation, please call 1-800-464-7726. As NIPSCO retires its remaining coal-fired generation, the costs associated with operating and maintaining those facilities during the transition to more renewable resources will reduce and eventually be eliminated. NIPSCO's natural gas base rates were most recently approved in 2018. NIPSCO uses the following trackers, which comprised approximately13 percent of a residential customers typical bill as of July 2022. The IURC will conduct a thorough review, including chances for the public to say how the proposed rates would affect them, before making a decision. Natural Gas: If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other gas emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and thenour emergency number 1-800-634-3524. In testimony and exhibits under review by the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, NIPSCO states the increase is requested due to numerous infrastructure projects, including the transition from its coal-fired generating fleet to more renewable electricity production. Township Trustees: A limited amount of energy assistance funds are available through local Township Trustee offices. Additionally, customers directly benefit from the newly added renewable generation by receiving a credit on their bills from 100 percent of the revenue associated with the sale of excess power that we generate today and into the future as we add more renewable resources. The company, a subsidiary of NiSource, said that if the IURC approves the increase its average residential customer using 668 kilowatt hours per month and currently paying $120 would pay $19 more. Beyond the necessary upgrades, grid modernization and customer-centric enhancements that are critical to ensure the level of service our customers expect for the future, a significant portion of the investments are tied to our future energy transition and the addition of new renewable energy projects located in Indiana.. As those remaining facilities are retired between 2026 and 2028, those costs will be eliminated. Schahfer Generating Station is visible in the background of solar panels installed by NextEra Energy Resources in the Dunns Bridge Solar Field near Wheatfield, Indiana Thursday August 11, 2022. Tell the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor tofight for residential customers to ensure that monthly bills are affordable, just, and reasonable. NIPSCO opened this wind farm in White County in Nov. 2021. Settings, Start voice Natural gas rates are not at issue in this case. The case seeks an increase in annual revenues of approximately $58.2 million. Since that time, NIPSCO has invested approximately $885 million in system upgrades, technology improvements, and pipeline safety and reliability initiatives to be completed through the end of 2022, with plans for future, continued investments. NIPSCO is transitioning to a more balanced and reliable portfolio. The OUCC's attorneys and technical experts are reviewing NIPSCOs request and arescheduled to file testimony on Jan. 20, 2023. Accessibility Issues. Unlike most companies, which can change the price of their product/service without outside approval, regulated energy providers like NIPSCO must submit a detailed request to change their rates. Unfortunately, what we're going to see for a while is customers paying for the old while they continue to pay for the new sort of these pancaking increases, if you will," he said. Written consumer comments must be submitted no later than January 13, 2023. Most costs are recovered through the Transmission, Distribution, and Storage System Improvement Charge (TDSIC). NIPSCO current electric base rates received Commission approval in 2019. For example, a significant component of customer bills today is associated with the cost of purchasing coal to operate our coal-fired electric generating facilities estimated at $100 million annually. Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) received a decision from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to adjust its natural gas rates, effective Sept. 1, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune), Worlds oldest known person, a French nun, dies at 118, Party City, amid rising prices, seeks bankruptcy protection, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues. NIPSCO offers a variety of options for customers who are having difficulty paying their bill including low-income customers. NIPSCO offers a variety of programs and incentives designed to help residential and business customers be more energy efficient, including free in-home energy assessments, equipment rebates, weatherization and more. It says the last increase to the natural gas base rate was approved in 2018. This balanced outcome demonstrates a positive path toward continued investments in essential resources that will support safe operations, upgrading aging infrastructure and enhancing our customers experience.. NIPSCOs last request to change electric rates was in 2018. The agreement will allow for an increase of approximately $71.8 million, a decrease of $37.9 million from the utility's request. This process is called a rate case, and NIPSCOs approval must come from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) provides natural gas service in 32 counties. As the company retires its remaining coal-fired generation, the costs associated with operating and maintaining those facilities during the transition to more renewable resources will reduce and eventually be eliminated. NIPSCO's most recent adjustment (Cause No. Our last request to change electric rates was in 2018. Meanwhile, our costs to provide electric service to 483,000 customers across northern Indiana have increased and continue to increase as we upgrade our services and infrastructure today so were prepared to safely and effectively meet tomorrows energy needs. Natural Gas: If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other gas emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and thenour emergency number 1-800-634-3524. The Internet version of Northern Indiana Public Service Company's Electric Tariffs and Gas Tariffs is not the official version. Visit NIPSCO.com/Save for more information on available programs and other ways to save. Additional parties that have intervened may also file testimony on Jan. 20, 2023. These are the issues of immediate importance we are working on right now. Since that time, NIPSCO investments include approximately $885 million in system upgrades, technology improvements, and pipeline safety and reliability initiatives to be completed through the end of 2022, with plans for future, continued investments. In order to continue to deliver a safe, reliable supply of electric service, we must continue to invest in our system to upgrade aging infrastructure, just as investments are made in bridges, roads and other infrastructure in our cities, towns and communities. Learn more at NIPSCO.com/save and NIPSCO.com/assistance. Most costs are recovered through the Transmission, Distribution, and Storage System Improvement Charge (TDSIC). NIPSCO's request would raise an average monthly residential electric bill of 668 kilowatt hours from $107.78 to $127.21 under a two-phase increase taking effect in September 2023 and March 2024. Accessibility Click to expand Start, Stop or Move Service, Click to expand Construction and Renovation, Click to expand Work in Your Neighborhood, Click to expand Renewable Energy Programs, Click to expand Income-Eligible Assistance Programs, Index of Cities, Towns and Unincorporated Communities Furnished Gas Service, General Rules and Regulations Applicable to Gas Service, Large Transportation and Balancing Service, Off-Peak Non-Residential Interruptible Negotiated Service, General Transportation and Balancing Service, Critical Undertake Day or Critical Overtake Day Penalty Rider, Nomination Exchange Service for Suppliers and Marketers, Gas Demand Side Management (GDSM) Rider, Adjustment of Charges for Transmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charge, Transmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charges Adjustment Factor. NIPSCO's most recent adjustment (Cause No. In testimony filed on Jan. 20, 2022, the OUCC recommended limiting the increase to $56.4 million. NIPSCO has asked to increase rates by about $19 a month for the average resident. The bill would then rise to $133.43 under a new "tracker" or rate adjustment mechanism that would gradually raise rates beginning in July 2024. NIPSCO's case is in the early stages, with the OUCC now analyzing the request and inviting public comments through Jan. 13. The proposed rate increase request, NIPSCO said, also includes new bill payment assistance programs for income-qualified customers; continued investments to protect against cybersecurity threats to the electric grid; upgrading and replacing overhead and underground cables; automation to identify problems in the grid faster; and introduction of a new mobile app for customers. Based on NIPSCOs proposal, an average residential electric customer using 668 kilowatt hours (kwh) per month, paying approximately $120 today, would see an overall increase of approximately $19 per month, or approximately 16.5 percent, spread over multiple years. NIPSCO Electric Rate Case (2022/2023) NIPSCO is requesting a base rate increase for its electric utility. Accessibility Issues, Transmission, Distribution & Storage System Improvement Charge (TDSIC), Capacity resources needed for system reliability, Participation in Midcontinent IndependentTransmission System Operator (MISO). Other utility customers in the state could face similar rate hikes as utilities transition to greener energy sources, at least in the short term. Visit NIPSCO.com/save to learn more. Actual projected bill impacts may vary by customer including non-residential customers depending on usage and future potential changes in market prices for commodities like coal. Settings, Start voice (WFFT) -- The Northern Indiana Public Service Company submitted a proposal to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Committee on Sept. 29 to increase gas rates by 17 percent in a year. 45703, NIPSCO received Commission approval of a new, 5-year plan for pipeline safety compliance. Make sure to reference Cause Number 45621in your comments! Duke Energy Wants You To Pay At Least $23 More Each Month For Your Electricity! Other Customer Benefits Associated with This Rate Increase Request: NIPSCO seeks to further its commitment to customers in several ways, including: Proposing new bill payment assistance programs for income-qualified customers, with a portion funded by NIPSCO, Continuing investments to thwart and protect its electric grid against cybersecurity threats, Upgrading and replacing overhead and underground cable to increase reliability, Modernizing the electric grid with automated technology that identifies problems and outages to enable us to restore service faster, Enhancing the overall customer experience through the introduction of a new mobile app, along with the ability for customers to connect with customer care agents online via live or automated chat, the continuation of energy efficiency programs and more. Base rates cover "non-gas" costs for a utility, including operational, maintenance, and capital costs. The proposed increase will go through a regulatory review process, which includes an . The OUCC's attorneys and technical experts are reviewing NIPSCO's request and are scheduled to file testimony on Jan. 20, 2023. MERRILLVILLE, Ind. Kerwin Olson is the executive director of the Citizens Action Coalition. Consumers may also speak to the Commission, under oath, at an IURC public field hearing.
