Bill Text: IN SR0045 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Study committee of various utility regulation issues.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-15 - First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities & Technology [SR0045 Detail]

Download: Indiana-2011-SR0045-Introduced.html

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Introduced Version

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SENATE RESOLUTION No. ___

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DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION

     A SENATE RESOLUTION to urge the legislative council to assign to the Regulatory Flexibility Committee the subject of utility regulation, utility rate making, and utility planning in the State of Indiana.

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BREAUX

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     , read first time and referred to Committee on

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Introduced

First Regular Session 117th General Assembly (2011)

SENATE RESOLUTION

     MADAM PRESIDENT:

    I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:

    A SENATE RESOLUTION to urge the legislative council to assign to the Regulatory Flexibility Committee the subject of utility regulation, utility rate making, and utility planning in the State of Indiana.

    Whereas, historically low utility rates have made Indiana an attractive place to live and raise a family;    

    Whereas, historically low utility rates have made Indiana an attractive place for business and economic development;

    Whereas, Indiana ratepayers have seen significant increases in their utility rates in recent years, on average up over thirty five percent from 2003 rates.

    Whereas, due to recent economic conditions, the ability of Indiana ratepayers to afford these rate increases has been diminished;
    
    Whereas, ratepayers include, but aren't limited to, residential consumers, places of worship, non-profit

corporations, businesses, industry, school corporations, post- secondary educational institutions, and governmental entities;

    Whereas, Indiana utilities have an obligation to provide adequate, reliable, and affordable utility service to the public;

    Whereas, state law requires that Indiana utilities provide least cost service;

    Whereas, state law requires the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to balance the interests of ratepayers with those of the utilities;

    Whereas, state law requires the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) to represent the interests of all Indiana consumers;

    Whereas, the OUCC recognizes the challenges of unprecedented and highly volatile energy costs for Indiana utilities and their customers;

    Whereas, the standing committees responsible for utility and energy policy require a clear and comprehensive understanding of the regulatory process and the challenges faced by Indiana utilities and their customers; and

    Whereas, the standing committees responsible for utility and energy policy require a clear and comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by both the IURC and the OUCC; therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the

General Assembly of the State of Indiana:

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    SECTION 1. That the legislative council assign to the Regulatory Flexibility Committee the subject of utility regulation, utility rate making, and utility planning in the State of Indiana.