Public hearings on proposed CenterPoint Energy electric rate increase happening Thursday | Indiana [Video]

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEVV) — Community members will have the chance to voice their opinion on a proposed CenterPoint Energy rate increase Thursday.

The IURC will be holding two public hearings at the Old National Events Plaza’s Locust Room on Thursday – one at 2 p.m. and another at 6 p.m.

CenterPoint Energy’s electric utility is seeking a three-phase, $118.8 million increase in its annual operating revenues. According to its filing, the utility company is seeking the increase “due to infrastructure improvements and higher operating and maintenance costs.” Officials say the request would increase a monthly residential bill for 750 kilowatt hours (kWh) from $161.20 to $195.85 once the increase is fully phased in. A residential electric bill for 1,000 kWh would rise from $207.20 to $253.40 under the utility’s request.

Natural gas rates …