Citizens Energy Group today filed a petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) seeking an increase in water rates. If the petition is approved, the average residential bill will increase by $6 per month starting in early 2016. The current average residential bill is $30 per month, depending on consumption.
As part of the filing, Citizens is also proposing a new low-income residential rate that will provide a 15 percent discount to low-income customers who are enrolled in the Indiana Energy Assistance Program. Citizens also plans to create a special financial assistance fund exclusively for water customers in need. Revenue for the fund will be provided by the non-utility businesses Citizens operates.
“When Citizens acquired the water utility in 2011, we knew rate increases would be necessary in order to upgrade a system that had been neglected for decades,” said Jeff Harrison, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The proposed low-income rate allows us to improve our water system while also keeping the financial needs of our customers top of mind.”
Since 2011, Citizens has invested more than $230 million in the water utility. That investment has enabled Citizens to improve system integrity and reliability. Citizens has more than doubled the number of valves and fire hydrants replaced each year. Additionally, after the acquisition, Citizens began a water main replacement program to reduce water loss and operating costs. Finally, the recently announced Citizens Reservoir project will help ensure Central Indiana will have an adequate drinking water supply for decades to come.
“While we are proud of the progress we have made in improving infrastructure, we know more investments need to be made to ensure our water system is dependable well into the future,” said Harrison.
Citizens understands the financial impact a rate increase can have on customers and is committed to programs that help low-income customers pay their utility bills. Citizens also provides flexible payment arrangements to thousands of customers each year.
If you have questions about flexible payment arrangements or concerns about being able to pay your bill, call (317) 924-3311 or visit us online at CitizensEnergyGroup.com.
