GARY -- Repeated requests to remain silent couldn't quiet hundreds of outraged attendees at a more than five-hour public hearing Tuesday on NIPSCO's proposed electric rate increase.
Several hundred residents crowded the room, spilling over into the hallway of the auditorium as they waited to plead their case with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
About two thirds of the attendees -- mainly private residents, city and county officials -- complained that they can't afford the 15.6 percent increase NIPSCO has requested and that the company should up its service and tighten its belt like others during a tough economy.
The other third -- mainly representatives of non-profits and economic development groups -- spoke about NIPSCO's good corporate citizenship and contributions to local non-profit organizations.
One person said some people are now using space heaters and candles to heat their homes because they can't afford to pay for heat. If the IURC approves the increase, a typical residential customer who uses 730 kilowatt hours per month would see their bill increase by $12.76 a month. To some people, the senior said, an extra $12 per month means the world.
"You know what a person on fixed income can do with $12? They can get a loaf of bread for $1.19, a dozen eggs, a gallon of milk for $3.69 and three pounds of ground beef. That's $11.95. Then they have 5 cents they can maybe do something with," said the woman, who identified herself as Ms. Moore of Michigan City.
Several people said that many can't afford to pay all of their bills and are choosing between food and heat, or cutting down on their medication to pay for heat. One senior citizen said her NIPSCO bill was $1,500 per month.
"What are the options of the people, heat or eat?" East Chicago Councilwoman Christine Vasquez asked the four IURC commissioners present.
Lake County Recorder Michael Brown said a rate increase would only make more hardships on senior citizens, people on fixed income and people who are unemployed.
Several groups, including United Way of Porter County and some arts foundations, spoke up about NIPSCO's vital contributions to their organizations.
"NIPSCO has supported many of our initiatives. NIPSCO provides scholarships for Porter County students. Since 2002, we have helped 48 students attend the college of their choice," said Barbara Young, president of the Porter County Community Foundation.
"NIPSCO is an excellent community partner," said Tim Bietry, president of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce. "They're willing partner in deals that led to expansion of existing business and new growth. They're not simply an energy provider, but a stimulus for growth in the region."
Some expressed concerns that increased electricity costs for businesses would translate to layoffs.
About 2.5 hours into the hearing, the IURC commissioners had heard 30 speakers and more than 100 more speakers remained to be heard.
Danielle Dravet, public information officer for the IURC, said the commission has yet to determine whether to condut another hearing.
Contact Gitte Laasby at 648-2183 or glaasby@post-trib.com.