INDIANAPOLIS — Powerful storms knocked out power for 80,000 AES Indiana customers about two weeks ago. Some customers in Indianapolis were without power for days.
On Tuesday, two watchdog groups filed a formal petition to investigate AES Indiana’s protocols during this most recent storm.
According to AES, the outages began on June 29 and lasted until July 4.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) and Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana (CAC) sent the request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
“We understand that the June 29 storms were especially intense, and that additional storms occurred in the following days. However, we need to gather the facts regarding the outages, especially the factors causing certain customers to be without electricity for more than five days,” Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Bill Fine said. “Customers should have confidence they will receive safe, reliable, and resilient services from their utilities. We trust that a Commission investigation will identify any steps needed to improve service quality in the future.”
Kerwin Olson, the executive director of Citizens Action Coalition, said the state owes a complete and thorough investigation to the customers.
“What was the priority list? Where did they go first? Where do they look to first? I think that’s important,” Olson said.
AES Indiana is also requesting a base rate increase, meaning customers could see an additional $17 tacked onto the average bill.
“Before we give them additional increases and before we give them an increase in their profit margin, let’s make sure they are satisfying their already existing obligation to the public,” Olson said.
OUCC is also inviting customers to submit comments through Oct. 5. This is for customers who experienced an outage during the most recent storm or are concerned about the potential rate hike. Comments must be in writing but can be submitted on their website, via email or U.S. mail.
AES STATEMENT:
AES Indiana is aware of the petition filed by the OUCC and CAC requesting a review of our electric service restoration work following the June 29, 2023 storm, which was one the worst storms in the past decade. The June 29th storm was classified as a derecho, which is a widespread wind storm that created a swath of damage extending more than 240 miles with wind gusts of at least 58 mph. The damage from the derecho resulted in a multi-day restoration process. AES Indiana safely followed procedures conducted in accordance with our established storm response plan. Being there when our customers need us the most, like during this storm, is something we prepare for year-round. AES Indiana will cooperate with any inquiry from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.