Concerns over AES Indiana's proposed rate increase dominated the recent public field hearing held by the City Council of Indianapolis. Residents from the Bates Hendricks neighborhood voiced strong opposition, arguing that the utility already holds the highest approved return on equity among Indiana utilities and is seeking even more without improving service quality.

One resident highlighted the essential nature of electricity for families in the area, stating, "This proposal would make it harder for many of our neighbors to keep the lights on while leaving us in the dark literally with unreliable power." The community urged the commission to reject AES's request, emphasizing the need for affordability, fairness, and reliable service.

A personal account shared during the hearing illustrated the frustrations with AES's service. A resident recounted a recent power outage caused by a lightning strike, which took nearly 13 hours to resolve due to inadequate tree trimming around power lines. "Had that been done, the serviceman could have serviced it right then and there," they noted, underscoring the ongoing issues with service reliability.

As the hearing progressed, it became clear that the community's concerns about AES's service and the proposed rate increase are deeply intertwined. Residents are calling for a focus on improving service quality before any further financial burdens are placed on them. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact the future of utility rates and service standards in Indianapolis.