Dozens of people turned out to a public hearing in Muncie this week held to decide whether the state should okay an Indiana Michigan Power rate hike.  The company is asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to approve a nearly 12 percent increase for improvements to the state’s energy grid.

Linda Muckway spoke against the plan, saying she’s on a fixed income.

“When you’re on any form of Social Security, every time you get a little bit of a cost of living increase, then your Medicare goes up and you have to pay that in premiums.”

Toby Thomas, president and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power, says the complaints are consistent with what the company has heard in the past.

“But it’s an important part of the process.  We want to hear from all of our costumers.  And we take that in to account as we look at what investments we make in our electric system to be able to provide their electric service.”

People who missed the three planned public hearings on Indiana Michigan Power’s plan can still submit a comment to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor by August 13:

• Via an online form at the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm
• By email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
• By mail at:  Consumer Services Staff Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204