AARP Indiana and other consumer advocates are opposing a proposed electricity rate increase by AES Indiana, which serves the Indianapolis area.
In mid-October, as part of an ongoing rate case under review by regulators, AES announced a partial settlement agreement with the city of Indianapolis and local businesses. The company agreed to reduce its initial rate increase request by more than half — so that over a two-year period, a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month would see a $10 increase. AES’ original proposal would have increased monthly bills for residential customers up to $21 per month.
AES argues the rate hike is needed to address the rising costs of fuel, equipment, materials and labor, as well as to cover investments in new technologies…