Evansville officials absent as residents petition for denial of CenterPoint rate increase

EVANSVILLE — Sister Mary Rogers reads the St. Benedict Cathedral church bulletin every week.

On page two of the Sept. 10 edition, Rogers saw the story of a family struggling. The mother was living in a shelter, the father with a family member and the son in an inpatient health facility.

They'd found a home to move into, but an old CenterPoint balance was holding back the utilities from being turned on. Holding the family back from reuniting under one roof and making it possible their son with special health needs would end up in foster care.

Wednesday night, Rogers told members of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission St. Vincent de Paul pledged to help the family with the rest of its CenterPoint balance. Rogers was one of many who spoke against the utility's most recent rate request during a public hearing at Old National Events Plaza.

The utility's request would raise a residential bill $15 by 2028 for customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours monthly.

Bills that already hit the St. Vincent de Paul need requests each and every week, Rogers said.

"I strongly urge you to deny CenterPoint's petition for a rate increase," she said. "I will keep you in prayer that you listen to the cries of those in need, our fellow human beings who already have a difficult time paying their CenterPoint bills."

'Ready to move out of Evansville, Indiana'

Of the 16 people testifying on the record Wednesday night, three of them spoke in a positive light toward CenterPoint. The three represented two different organizations in Evansville: the Vanderburgh County Community Foundation and the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership.

Both organizations have CenterPoint representation in their board of directors.

The 13 other individuals focused their comments on the impact a rate increase would have on working-class citizens, residents on a fixed income or those struggling to make ends meet.

Barry Burleigh is now one of those individuals on a fixed income.

The 75-year-old thought he'd retired comfortably, and although Social Security offers cost-of-living adjustments, going back to work isn't outside of the realm of possibility as increases continue across utilities and services.

"My wife and I have talked about moving out of state over all this," he said.

Todd Schaus, a local Realtor, echoed that sentiment. He said a young couple he knows are dealing with CenterPoint bills that cost more than mortgage.

"They are ready to move out of the city of Evansville," he said. "I wish the mayor was here because I have many customers and clients that are ready to move out of Evansville, Indiana."

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke was not in attendance Wednesday. Neither were any members of the Evansville City Council, Vanderburgh County Commissioners or the Vanderburgh County Council.

Indiana State Sen. Jim Tomes was in attendance listening to the comments. Michael Daugherty, the Libertarian candidate for Evansville mayor, was also present and spoke on the record against the increase.

No other candidates for city office were present.

Schaus asked the IURC to deny the rate increase, again emphasizing clients who are looking to move away from CenterPoint's coverage area.

"The poor people can't afford it, some of our elderly people can't afford it," he said. "There's a lot of people really struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet.

There is still time to comment

The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor will take written comment through Friday, Sept. 15.

Customers can submit written comments through the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov.

Those who prefer to send a letter via mail should address it to: Public Comments, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suit 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Comments should include the person's name, city and zip code with reference to either “IURC Cause No. 45894” or CenterPoint Energy TDSIC.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: City officials absent as citizens lament CenterPoint increase requests