How to have your voice heard on the proposed Aqua Indiana rate hike

UPDATE (August 27, 2026):

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments on Aqua Indiana’s pending water/wastewater rate request through the end of next month.

A public meeting was held this week at the Allen County Library downtown, and many said they felt blindsided by the proposed increase that would raise rates around 15%. That would put roughly $9-11 extra on bills every month.

Read more here

HOW TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD:

Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail at:

Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Consumer comments will be included in the formal case record for Commission review. Comments should not contain sensitive or personal information as comments will become viewable and searchable online once posted to the IURC’s online case file. Consumers with questions about commenting can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Friday September 25, 2026, so that it can: 1) Consider comments in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, city, zip code, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 46425” or “Aqua Indiana.” Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

ORIGINAL STORY:

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments on Aqua Indiana’s pending water/wastewater rate request through September 25, 2026.

In addition, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will hold a public field hearing in Fort Wayne on August 26, 2026.

The following was released:

The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the IURC – is using its technical and legal resources to review the utility’s proposal. Formal testimony from the OUCC is due October 5, 2026.

Written Consumer Comments

Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail at:

Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Consumer comments will be included in the formal case record for Commission review. Comments should not contain sensitive or personal information as comments will become viewable and searchable online once posted to the IURC’s online case file. Consumers with questions about commenting can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Friday September 25, 2026, so that it can: 1) Consider comments in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, city, zip code, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 46425” or “Aqua Indiana.” Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

Public Field Hearing

The IURC has scheduled a public field hearing in this case for August 26, 2026, in the Allen County Public Library – Main Branch, Theater on Lower Level 2 (900 Library Plaza).

The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. Consumers are encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. for an overview of field hearing procedures and the rate case process.  No final decisions about the case will be made at the hearing.

The sole purpose of a field hearing is to receive public testimony. A final decision is expected in Spring 2027.

• Consumers can speak directly to the Commission under oath and on record.
• Oral comments presented during the field hearing will become part of the case record. They will carry the same weight as written consumer comments submitted to the OUCC by September 25, 2026.
• Utilities do not make presentations or answer questions during field hearings. The focus, again, is on public input. In this case, the Utility filed testimony and exhibits in June 2026.
• Commissioners are not allowed to answer questions about the case. They will ultimately render a decision after weighing evidence from the utility, the OUCC, and intervening parties. OUCC staff will be available to answer questions at the hearing.

Case Overview

Aqua Indiana is seeking a two-phase $6,455,513 increase for its wastewater utility, and a three-phase $625,501 increase for its water utility. The total company request is $7,081,014.

The utility is seeking an increase to address increases in operating and maintenance expenses. The increase is also a result of increased investments in utility plants since the utility’s last rate case and planned investments in 2026 and 2027. According to its testimony, the utility has made plant investments in various systems, most notably in its Aboite wastewater system.

Under the utility’s pending proposal, monthly water charges for a residential customer would rise as follows:

Aqua Indiana’s current rates were established in various IURC proceedings. The most recent rates for the Utility’s Aboite wastewater system received IURC approval in January 2017.

A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement, if reached, would require IURC approval.

The OUCC is posting case updates online at https://www.in.gov/oucc/watersewer/key-cases-by-utility/aqua-indiana. Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/news/.

(IURC Cause No. 46425)

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC’s mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving.