We are still reviewing the 131-page order of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission with our co-counsel Bob Wright and Don and Shana Levinson. I expect we will be discussing various options with our clients in the case, LaPorte County and the City of Hammond.
Quite candidly, while the Commission clearly took NIPSCO to task for being the worst rated electric utility in the country for customer satisfaction, we are very disappointed they would still award the company a 10% rate increase for residential customers at this time. We believe the evidence suggested a result closer to the rate reduction first proposed by the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). We hope the OUCC will continue to oppose an increase in rates.
With the 5.5% bill credit that we first helped negotiate in 2002 disappearing as a result of this rate order, added on to a 4% base rate increase, this means a double-digit price shock for residential ratepayers they can ill afford. We intend to weigh all options to help protect ratepayers.
Shaw R. Friedman, attorney
Posted in: Express yourself
I believe there’s an extreme overuse of electricity by local companies possibly causing all the power outages. I understand it’s hot and more people are using air conditioning, causing surges with NIPSCO. But does Family Express really need 60-plus exterior lights, just under the canopy, for the few people pumping gas at 10 p.m.? Can Wal-Mart cut the interior lights by a third during non-peak hours?
On the other hand, will NIPSCO get told to compensate the local businesses for loss of revenue for down time? I doubt it.
I am tired of losing power when I am at home trying to write bills, brush my teeth or doing laundry. Then I get to come to work to find the power outage caused our second shift to have to go home early, causing delays of orders, product spoilage, and of course no one is happy when loss of wages occur.
Angel Stock
LaPorte
Posted in: Express yourself
The Beechwood Ladies 18 Hole League held its Rally for the Cure Golf Outing in July 2010 and raised $1,083 for breast cancer research. We would like to thank the 40 golfers who took part in this great fundraiser. We would also like to give a big thank you to the following for their extra support and donations:
Gift certificates from: Casey’s, LaPorte Yacht Club, T-Bone’s, Portofino, 3rd Base, Rozella Ford Golf Club, Daun & Ron Caddo, Bonnie Cardwell, Schmitt & Kaylor. Jim and Kathy at Nova Inc., Fran Jones, Gail Green, Sue Kolczak, Laurie Satoski at LaPorte Savings Bank, Eugene & Carol Dollberg, Mary McPherson, and last but not least Kyle Cashmer and his staff at Beechwood for their help and organization.
Posted in: Express yourself, Sports
