Water rates could double in Darlington

Aqua Indiana, Inc.'s Darlington Division filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission [IURC] November 14, 2008 seeking to increase its water utility rates.

Vice President and Regional Manager Thomas Bruns said the last rate increase was in 1991. The company cites infrastructure improvements and increased operating and maintenance costs for the spike. Bruns said Aqua Indiana wants to lower the minimum water allowance from 6,000 gallons to 3,000 gallons. Joanne Giancaspro said she does not agree.

"To raise the price is one thing. To raise the minimum on the gallon usage is not nice," said Giancaspro, a Darlington resident.

The utility's request must be approved by the IURC, which will consider what consumers have to say after a public hearing with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor [OUCC].  A spokesman from OUCC said the third party state agency has until February 23 to present an answer to the commission.  

If Aqua Indiana's request is approved, the monthly usage for the first 3,000 gallons will increase from $22.97 to $46. That's $23.03 more. Using 10,000 gallons costs $43.25 currently, but that usage amount could jump to $100.95.  

Resident Royce Foster said he's already done the math for the year.

"My rates are going to go up, like, between $300 and $400 a year for water to somewhere between $700 to $800 a year. In summertime, if you're doing a little watering of the lawn and taking care of your flowers, it's a little over 8,000," Foster said.

Aqua Indiana also requested an "across the board" water rate increase, which would apply the same percentage increase to all customers.

Other residents feel the water rate increase will discourage people from moving into the town. Something Foster said is already a problem.

"We have about 18 homes sitting empty, so, we don't need that," said Foster.
 

OUCC spokesman Anthony Swinger said he is not sure when the IURC will make the final decision, but consumers can check for updates and key case documents by visiting www.in.gov/oucc.  He said you must click the "Featured Topics" link next, then click the "Aqua Indiana - Darlington Division" link.

He also said consumers can visit www.in.gov/iurc and click the "Electronic Document Systems" link.  Click the "Search Cases" link near the upper left corner of the following page.  Enter docket number 43609 in the first field on the search page.