Gov. Mike Braun has directed the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) to file a complaint and petition the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) on Aug. 24 to launch an investigation into the NIPSCO utility company.
This investigation follows widespread and prolonged power outages in Northwest Indiana caused by severe weather that began on Aug. 11.
“NIPSCO is a monopoly utility that Hoosiers pay every month with the expectation that it will use its considerable resources to maintain its system, prepare for severe weather and restore service as quickly as possible when disaster strikes. NIPSCO has failed to keep its end of the bargain,” Braun said. “I’m directing the OUCC to file a complaint and petition the IURC to launch an investigation so we can determine whether NIPSCO did what it promised ratepayers and regulators it would do with the money it was given. Hoosiers deserve accountability.”
According to a press release, this investigation comes as some 10,000 Hoosiers remain without power in Northwest Indiana nearly two weeks after severe weather struck the area. Braun directed state agencies to take steps to support power restoration efforts, including clearing roads, alleyways and other debris to clear a path for utility crews.
The OUCC represents the interests of Indiana utility consumers in proceedings before the IURC. The IURC regulates Indiana’s investor-owned utilities and has authority over utility rates, charges and service.
According to a statement, Braun congratulated the crews on the ground, representing both state agencies and utility workers for their efforts in this endeavor. However, according to a statement released by Braun’s office, NIPSCO management has failed to deliver adequate solutions.
The requested investigation will examine NIPSCO’s vegetation management and right-of-way maintenance practices and review whether funds authorized through IURC-approved trackers were used for their intended purposes.
For more information visit in.gov
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
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