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Hearing Set For I&M Rate Case

InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor's first evidentiary hearing in the Indiana Michigan Power rate case begins Monday. I&M's requested increase would raise some customers' monthly bills by approximately 25 percent. The utility serves more than 450,000 Indiana customers.

To watch on-line, go to http://www.in.gov/iurc/2624.htm Hearing is scheduled to start today at 9:30 am and continue for the next two weeks if needed.

February 17, 2012

News Release

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) and other consumer parties will start cross examining Indiana Michigan Power Company's (I&M's) rate case witnesses on Monday, February 20.

Twenty-two I&M witnesses have filed testimony in the utility's pending base rate case before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). The IURC's first evidentiary hearing in the rate case starts Monday in Indianapolis and is expected to last several days.

"The evidentiary hearing is a critical step in this case as the OUCC continues to question I&M on its request and develop recommendations," said Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor David Stippler. "While this hearing will focus on attorney cross-examination and Commission questioning of I&M’s technical witnesses, I urge I&M customers to make the most of the opportunities they have to make their voices heard."

I&M's requested base rate increase, according to its testimony and exhibits, would raise the monthly bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) by 25.38 percent.

The rate case (IURC Cause No. 44075) is one of several I&M cases that may have a significant, cumulative impact on I&M customer bills. Separately from the rate case:

•  I&M is seeking rate recovery for new pollution control equipment at its Rockport Generating Facility (in IURC Cause No. 44033). The utility's testimony in that case does not specify how the $1.4 billion Rockport project would affect Indiana customer bills, with I&M scheduled to file additional testimony in late April.
• I&M is also expected to request IURC approval of a Life Cycle Management project for its D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant this year. In its rate case testimony, I&M estimates the Cook project costs at "less than $2 billion."

I&M customers may comment in the rate case in either or both of two ways:

1. By attending and speaking at one of the IURC's public field hearings. These will be held in Fort Wayne, South Bend and Muncie on upcoming dates to be determined.

2. By sending written comments to the OUCC. Comments the OUCC receives by April 20, 2012 will be filed with the IURC, to be included in the case's formal evidentiary record.

The OUCC invites consumer comments through the agency's Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, and by mail, email, or fax:

• Mail: Consumer Services Staff; Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor; 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South; Indianapolis, IN 46204

• email: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov

• Fax: (317) 232-5923

Written comments should include the consumer's name, mailing address, and a reference to "IURC Cause No. 44075."

"Whether consumers wish to write to us, attend a field hearing, or both, we want to hear from them," said Stippler. "While the OUCC’s attorneys and technical experts are examining I&M's rate case very closely, consumer input is extremely important to this process."

The OUCC is scheduled to complete its technical and legal review of I&M's request and file testimony on April 27, 2012.

Other parties that have intervened in this case (including the cities of South Bend and Fort Wayne, a number of I&M's industrial customers, and the Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana) are also scheduled to file testimony on April 27. Witnesses for the OUCC and other consumer parties will face cross-examination and Commission questioning at an evidentiary hearing to be held in June.

For more information on the base rate case and other I&M cases, please visit the OUCC's Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2680.htm.

I&M, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), provides service to approximately 458,000 customers in 24 Indiana counties.

(IURC Cause No. 44075)

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC's mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC

Source: Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor