FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The City of Fort Wayne wants to charge more for the water used by its residents, but any rate hike must be approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). That approval process involves letting the public weigh in on the rate increase.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents consumers in cases before the IURC. It has scheduled a public hearing in Fort Wayne on December 17.
Fort Wayne announced details of its “Moving Forward with a Purpose” proposal back in June. It’s a five-year improvement plan that includes rate hikes for City Utilities customers. According to City Utilities, since 2014, the city has replaced 110 miles of water mains and completed more than 400 stormwater drainage projects. Utility leaders say the goal is to stay ahead of system failures and keep water flowing, especially in aging neighborhoods where pipes from the 1940s to 1970s are most at risk.
City Utilities proposes 5-year upgrade plan, with rate increases for Fort Wayne customers
Fort Wayne is looking to increase water rates in three phases. According to the OUCC, monthly water charges for residential customers using 4,000 gallons would rise accordingly:
The IURC public hearing will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 at 6 p.m., in the Citizens Square, Lower Level, Omniroom, (200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne). Attendees are asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m. for an overview of the hearing procedures and the rate case process. No final decisions will be made at the hearing.
- Consumers can speak directly to the Commission under oath and on the record.
- Oral comments presented during the field hearing will become part of the case record. They will carry the same weight as written consumer comments submitted to the OUCC by Jan. 23, 2026.
- Utilities do not make presentations or answer questions during field hearings. The focus, again, is on public input. In this case, the city filed testimony and exhibits in October 2025.
- Commissioners are not allowed to answer questions about the case. They will ultimately render a decision after weighing evidence from the utility, the OUCC, and intervening parties. OUCC staff will be available to answer questions at the hearing.
Residents can also submit written comments regarding the proposal. They can do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail at:…