July 3, 2001

IURC APPROVES SETTLMENT ON RATES

Today the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved a request by the Town of Culver to increase its rates and charges for water service. Under the terms of an agreement between the Town of Culver and the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor, residents will see a 45-percent rate increase.

In Cause No. 41879, the Commissioners agreed that the increase is necessary to pay for capital improvements to the waterworks. Over the next five years the city will replace hydrants, water mains, and distribution lines. The utility will also switch to a Miox chlorination system.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Town of Culver will provide the Commission and the OUCC with a one-page summary of its progress on a semi-annual basis. The first such summary should be filed by January 7, 2002, updates should be filed every six months thereafter through July 2006 or completion of the project, whichever comes first.

A customer who uses 5,000 gallons of water a month will see their bill go from $12.47 to $18.08. The minimum monthly bill, which is for up to 2,000 gallons will increase from $5.75 to $7.90. Figures do not include fire protection service.

The Town of Culver provides water service to approximately 850 customers.

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