FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The City of Fort Wayne’s water utility is seeking a three-phase $10.3 million increase in its annual operating revenues. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting public comments on the request through Jan. 23, 2026.
In addition, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will hold a public field hearing in Fort Wayne on Dec. 17, 2025.
The OUCC released the following:
The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the IURC – is using its technical and legal resources to review the utility’s proposal. Formal testimony from the OUCC is due Jan. 30, 2026.
Written Consumer Comments
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the form on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Consumer comments will be included in the formal case record for Commission review. Comments should not contain sensitive or personal information as comments will become viewable and searchable online once posted to the IURC’s online case file. Consumers with questions about commenting can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff at 1-888-441-2494.
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, so that it can: 1) Consider comments in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, city, zip code, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 46311” or “Fort Wayne Water.” Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
Public Field Hearing
The IURC has scheduled a public field hearing in this case for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in the Citizens Square, Lower Level, Omniroom, (200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne).
The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. Consumers are encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. for an overview of field hearing procedures and the rate case process. No final decisions about the case will be made at the hearing.
The sole purpose of a field hearing is to receive public testimony. A final decision is expected in Summer 2026.
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.
Case Overview
The City of Fort Wayne’s water utility is seeking a three-phase $10.3 million increase in its annual operating revenues.
The utility is seeking approval to issue up to $70 million in long-term debt in this case, along with the rate increase. According to its testimony, the city is seeking changes due to higher operating and maintenance costs and to pay for infrastructure repairs and improvements. Specific items include lead service line replacements, repairs and replacements to water distribution lines, improvements to water filtration and distribution.
The utility is proposing a three-phase increase. Under the city’s pending proposal, monthly water charges for a residential customer using 535 cubic feet (4,000 gallons) would rise as follows:
Only the city’s water rates are at issue in this case. The IURC does not have jurisdiction over municipal sewer rates, which are set by locally elected city and town councils throughout the state.
A settlement agreement is possible in any legal proceeding; such an agreement, if reached, would require IURC approval.
The OUCC is posting case updates online at www.in.gov/oucc/watersewer/key-cases-by-utility/fort-wayne-municipal-water-rates/. Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/news/.
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