City Council postpones indefinitely IPL Rate Changes

The Independence City Council voted unanimously to indefinitely postpone changes in IPL rates at its Sept. 21 meeting.

The council action occurred following a public hearing at which several individuals shared opposition to changing a $4.14 minimum monthly bill to a $14.50 monthly customer charge.

The council has taken several months to review and better understand recommendations included a May 2015 rate study done by its long-time IPL rate consultant.

Indy Energy provided the council with several policy recommendations for consideration during the public hearing.

Other presenting included representatives from the AARP, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Eastern Jackson County Justice Coalition.

There was broad agreement on opposing increasing the fixed customer charges as creating financial burdens on low-income, fixed income and low-energy users and discouraging energy conservation.

Others spoke in favor of developing energy efficiency programs, increasing utility assistance and support for providing community solar power.