COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments on Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corporation’s pending rate request through October 1.
OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), uses its technical and legal resources to review the utility’s proposal. The OUCC testimony is due Oct. 8.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Consumer comments will be included in the formal case record for Commission review. Comments should not contain sensitive or personal information as comments will become viewable and searchable online once posted to the IURC’s online case file. Consumers with questions about commenting can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Wednesday, Oct. 1, so that it can consider comments 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, town, zip code, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 46269” or “Southwestern Bartholomew Water.” Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
The IURC has scheduled a public field hearing for Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., in the Cal Brand meeting room at Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St., in Columbus.
The sole purpose of a field hearing is to receive public testimony. No final decisions about the case will be made at the hearings. A final decision in this case is expected next year.
- Consumers can speak directly to the Commission under oath and on the record
- Oral comments presented during the field hearings will become part of the case record and will carry the same weight as written consumer comments submitted to the OUCC by Oct. 1
- Utilities do not make presentations or answer questions during field hearings because the focus is on public input about the Southwestern Bartholomew Water filed testimony and exhibits in July
- Commissioners are not allowed to answer questions about the case, but will ultimately render a decision after weighing evidence from the utility, the OUCC, and intervening parties
According to the utility’s testimony and exhibits, the pending request would raise monthly rates for a residential customer using 4,000 gallons from $50.44 to $75.83. The increase would be implemented in two phases. The utility is also seeking Commission authority to issue up to approximately $7.9 million in long-term debt. In its filing, Southwestern Bartholomew Water cites higher operating and maintenance costs, along with the need for infrastructure improvements, including water plant improvements, tank restoration, booster pump replacements, and additional capital projects.
Southwestern Bartholomew Water’s current base rates received IURC approval in 2016 but have increased since then to recover increases in wholesale water charges. The utility provides service to more than 3,200 customers in Bartholomew and Brown Counties.
A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement, if reached, would require IURC approval.
A final Commission order is expected in spring 2026.
The OUCC is posting case updates online at www.in.gov/oucc/watersewer/key-cases-by-utility/southwestern-bartholomew-water-corporation/. Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/news/.
