The City of Westfield has reached the next step to transfer ownership of its water and sewer utilities to Citizens Energy Group.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is seeking comments from Westfield residents April 9 at a public field hearing on the pending proposal. The OUCC will conduct an informational session on the regulatory process at 5:30 p.m., with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission accepting public comments at 6 p.m. in the Westfield High School Auditorium, 18250 N. Union St.
In this case, the City of Westfield and Citizens Energy Group are jointly asking the IURC to approve the proposed transfer of the city’s water and wastewater utility assets to Citizens. Under the proposal, the utilities would be renamed Citizens Water of Westfield and Citizens Wastewater of Westfield. They would operate as investor-owned utilities, in the same way Citizens Gas of Westfield has been operated since 2004.
The process began in April 2012. On Nov. 5, the Westfield City Council voted 6-1 to transfer its water and wastewater assets to Citizens for $91 million. Mayor Andy Cook said the sale was a way for the city to pay off $45 million in water utility debt. The remaining amount will be used to assist Westfield’s transition into a growing city with roundabouts, trails and other infrastructure needs.
Citizens and Westfield have made this proposal through written testimony and exhibits which are available online at www.in.gov/oucc/2733.htm. The OUCC, the state agency representing consumer interests in IURC cases, is evaluating the proposal and is scheduled to file testimony on May 8.
Westfield consumers may speak at the public field hearing tonight or submit written comments about the proposal to the OUCC anytime between now and the close of business on May 3.
Both oral and written comments will be accepted during the field hearing. Officials said oral and written comments carry equal weight and will become part of the case’s official evidentiary record. Commissioners are not allowed to answer questions during the field hearing; however, OUCC and IURC staff will be available before, during and after the hearing.
Consumers who would like to submit written comments in this case may do so via the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, email [email protected], or by mail to Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Written comments the OUCC receives by the close of business on May 3 will be filed with the Commission and included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44273.” For more information, call 1-888-441-2494.
If the sale is approved, the IURC will also approve Citizens’ water rates.