Michigan City council unanimously opposes recent NIPSCO rate increases, urges IURC review

The Michigan City Common Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to adopt a resolution opposing recent electric and natural gas rate increases approved for Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and to ask the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for closer scrutiny.

The resolution, introduced by Dr. Cora and Councilman Presbylinski and read into the record by a sponsor, cites IURC cause numbers and says the electric increase will amount to an estimated 16.75% rise in the average residential monthly electric bill. The text calls for an IURC investigation that would require itemization and substantiation of monthly delivery charges and urges NIPSCO to cease assessing those delivery charges until it provides the requested detail.

Dr. Cora told the council the increases have been steep statewide: “NIPSCO saw the highest increase of 36.7 percent,” she said, and argued the higher bills are harming residents. Councilwoman Moldenhauer said she heard from people whose bills “were over $1,000 this past month,” and asked for the council to add its name to a formal protest. Council members agreed the resolution should be mailed to state representatives, both senators, the speaker of the house, the senate president and the governor’s office.

Public commenters supported the council’s action and urged residents to learn how to read utility bills and seek assistance when needed. The measure passed by roll-call vote, 8-0.

What happens next: The council directed the clerk to forward the adopted resolution to state elected officials and the governor’s office and join neighboring communities calling for IURC scrutiny.