Consumers now have the chance to comment on the pending rate increase request by Jackson County Water Utility Inc.

If approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the utility’s request would raise the monthly water rate for a residential customer using 5,000 gallons from $53.75 to $56.82. If approved, its anticipated the new rates would go into effect Feb. 1, 2019.

Jackson County Water Utility Inc. is a not-for-profit entity providing service in Jackson, Jennings, Bartholomew, Brown and Lawrence counties. Its current rates were approved in 2015.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the regulatory commission, is reviewing the request and is scheduled to file testimony Nov. 7.

Along with its legal and technical review, the OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through Nov. 1.

In an earlier phase of this case, the utility received IURC approval to issue up to $7.5 million in long-term debt to pay for capital improvements. In its testimony, the utility cites operating and maintenance costs along with principle and interest on the long-term debt.

Consumers who wish to submit comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s website at in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by email at [email protected] or by mail at Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Nov. 1 so it can consider them in preparing its testimony and file them with the commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record.

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44986.”

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments may contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 888-441-2494. Do not include account numbers, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information.

An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13 at the PNC Center, 101 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney and commission questioning of technical witnesses. A final decision in the case is expected in 2019.

The OUCC is posting updates on this case at in.gov/oucc/2793.htm. Case updates also are available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at in.gov/oucc/2877.htm.