Northwest Indiana Utility Seeks Big Rate Hike
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Thousands of Northwest Indiana households face steep utility increases that will nearly double water rates and increase sewer rates by as much as 56%. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report Community Utilities of Indiana is asking the state for permission to raise rates for 5,300 water customers and 3,500 sewer customers.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is reviewing the rate increase request and will hold a public hearing next Tuesday.
The publication says the increases would affect the part of Merrillville previously served by Indiana Water Service, portions of Jasper and Newton counties previously served by Water Service Corp. of Indiana, and Lakes of the Four Seasons in Lake and Porter counties.
The utility is seeking a two-phase rate increase, with rate hikes that would take effect in October 2022 and October 2023. The company says the money will go towards infrastructure improvements.
Under the proposed hike, the standard water rate for 5,000 gallons a month would jump from $42.44 to $76.25 in October and $82.60 next year. The standard sewer rate for 5,000 gallons a month would increase from $61.34 to $86.33 in October and $95.83 next year.