(FORT WAYNE) - Utility customers from northeast Indiana packed into the New Haven Community Center for a listening session Monday night to press state regulators over rising electric and gas bills, as the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission continues its statewide affordability review.
The meeting was one of 10 listening sessions planned by the IURC as part of its broader inquiry into energy affordability and utility rate transparency.
Customers raised concerns about rising monthly costs, delivery charges, bill transparency and the growing number of line items appearing on electric bills.
Several speakers told regulators they are struggling to understand why bills continue rising even when actual energy usage remains a smaller share of the total amount due.
One customer told the panel that only 67% of his bill reflected actual electric usage, with the rest made up of additional fees and charges.
The session also drew attention to the ongoing NIPSCO labor lockout, with union representatives warning regulators about potential safety concerns tied to critical gas and electric work now being performed during the dispute.
IURC Chairman Andy Zay says once all 10 listening sessions are complete, the commission plans to spend 30 to 45 days preparing a public report with possible action steps.
That timeline would put the final report sometime in May or June.