NIPSCO Filed Rate Increase Applications Amid Storm Damage in Northwest Indiana Following a severe derecho that struck Northwest Indiana, leaving hundreds of thousands without power for over a week, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) submitted multiple applications for customer rate increases to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The filings, which include one request filed on August 11—the day of the storm—and two additional submissions on August 14 and 20, could result in an annual increase of nearly $88 for customers. If approved, the adjustments would take effect as early as November 1. NIPSCO described the rate increase requests as part of its routine process, noting that Indiana utilities are permitted to adjust rates biannually or quarterly for specific costs. The company cited fuel expenses, regional transmission organization fees, and investments in resource adequacy and reliability as the primary reasons for the proposed hikes. It emphasized that the fuel cost adjustment would remain in place until replaced by a new one approved in a future filing. However, local advocates and residents have criticized the timing of the rate increases, especially given the ongoing recovery efforts after the storm. As of August 22, approximately 100 customers still lacked power, a significant drop from over 9,300 the previous day. Initially, nearly 60% of NIPSCO’s 500,000 customers were without electricity, with 335 damaged utility poles and 27 substations requiring repairs. Critics argue that the company’s focus on rate hikes appears to overshadow its responsibility to restore services promptly. The rate increase applications come amid a history of steep hikes for NIPSCO customers. In July 2025, average bills rose by 16.75%, or nearly $280 annually, following a 2024 increase.#indiana #mike_braun #nipsco #indiana_utility_regulatory_commission #peoples_gas
