Public largely opposes Indiana Michigan Power proposed rate increase at Fort Wayne meeting

As Indiana Michigan Power seeks to increase customer rates for its services, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is seeking public input on the proposal.

On Monday night in Fort Wayne, comments from the public were nearly unanimous in their opposition to the increase.

Junius Pressey spoke about his struggle to pay utility bills, a sentiment repeated by several other speakers. Pressey says he’s been an I&M customer for 37 years.

“And for the first time in my life, I’m finding that it is becoming extremely difficult to pay these outrageous utility bills in my retirement and senior years,” he said.

The proposed two-phase increase would raise rates by 6.8 percent. The company has told the state regulator that the average residential customer’s bill would rise by about $15 per month. I&M says its plan will benefit customers by “improving reliability.”

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor – which represents ratepayers – must take a formal position on the rate increase proposal by November 15.

The office is holding another public meeting in South Bend on October 30 and taking public comment through November 8 by mail, email, and through their website.