A state board is taking public comment and will consider whether Indiana Michigan Power can increase rates for Indiana customers.  The company’s proposed rate hike would be the third in 25 years.  As Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Ben Clemmer reports, the company is hoping to raise $263 million for infrastructure improvements.

The proposed rate increase would cost consumers about $25 a month. I&M spokesperson Tracey Warner says the money would go towards infrastructure updates that are overdue.

“The energy grid is aging and I&M for example we have about 350,000 poles and about 15 percent of those are 60 years or older.”

Warner says I&M will clear more trees away from powerlines, to limit the company’s number one cause of power outages. Another focus of the Building the Future plan will pave the way for more renewable energy technologies.

“We realize that the nation is using less coal and we want to have more flexibility to go to more diversified fuel mechs.”

The public can comment on the plan at the website of Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. If approved by the IURC, the rate increase will go into effect in the summer of 2018 and early 2019.