Community members speak with state legislators on NIPSCO rates at town hall

Frustration over rising energy rates brought community members and state representatives together in LaPorte County.

Saturday's event served as a chance to speak with those state legislators that was organized by the Facebook group "NIPSCO Monopoly Madness."

The event promoted itself as one for the people and taxpayers.

"I feel that they actually heard and saw what we were saying, and I think they actually understood us. And the more we do that to make them actually face us, the more they're going to pay attention to us," said Terri Logan, organizer.

Several state leaders, including state Senators Mike Bohacek and Rodney Pol, were in attendance at Saturday's town hall, taking a chance to hear from those in their communities.

According to Bohacek, one issue that stood out to him was bill transparency. Something he hopes the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, or IURC, will take a closer look at.

"The commodity charge makes sense. We know what that is. It's the cost of the gas, but is, are all of these other costs that are baked into this delivery piece? Are those really legitimate? And are they compensatory? Are they overcompensatory? This is what we need to find out," said State Senator Mike Bohacek, (R) Michiana Shores.

According to state Senator Pol, he's open to supporting legislation that would shift some utility rate-based decisions to the local level.

"I think it's more important to put a lot of these decisions and a lot of the influence at the local level, where you have, you know, that community has a lot more influence as to what happens there. And so, you know, to me, it just, it only makes sense that, you know, moving some of these decisions on some of these rate-based cases," said State Senator Rodney Pol, (R) LaPorte County.

According to organizer Terri Logan, the town hall is another step forward, pointing to an upcoming IURC special meeting as a sign that community voices are being heard.

"I know it's not going to change overnight. But let's keep going with the baby steps will lead to bigger steps, and pretty soon we'll be getting the results that we're demanding," said Logan.

State Legislators said that the community should continue to reach out to their elected officials and the IURC to make sure their voices and concerns are heard.

Read full story here: https://wsbt.com/news/local/community-members-speak-with-state-legislators-on-nipsco-rates-at-town-hall-rising-bills-rates-represenatatives-frustration-local-state-senators-issue-costs-taxpayers-event-organizers-laporte-county-indiana

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