Stucker Fork Water Utility seeks rate hike; public hearing set for April 29

A regional water utility serving Scotts County and surrounding communities is seeking approval for a rate increase that would impact residential, commercial, and wholesale customers. The petition, filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), outlines changes to water rates that could go into effect later this year if approved.

The utility, which serves approximately 8,000 customers across Scott County and portions of Jackson, Washington, Clark, Jefferson, and Jennings counties, says the increase is necessary to support system maintenance, expand service capacity, and double water production at its Marble Hill facility.

Tiered Rate Hikes Proposed

 Under the proposal, residential customers using up to 10,000 gallons of water per month would see rates rise from $4.44 to $5.10 per 1,000 gallons – a 14.86% increase. Those consuming the next 240,000 gallons would see rates rise from $3.56 to $4.74 per 1,000 gallons, a 33.14% increase.

Larger consumers would also see significant increases. Customers using 1 million gallons currently pay $3.33 per 1,000 gallons; under the new rates, they would pay $3.95, an 18.61% hike. Usage over 500,000 gallons would increase from $2.54 to $3.55, marking a 39.76% jump.

Wholesale customers, including municipalities that rely on the utility as a secondary source, would face the largest percentage increase – from $2.54 to $3.61 per 1,000 gallons, a 42% spike.

The cities of Scottsburg and Crothersville, which have their own water treatment facilities but depend on the utility during service interruptions, could feel the effects. Scottsburg currently pays about $2,000 monthly, while Crothersville pays $2,900.

The utility's last approved rate adjustment occurred in July 2018. Since then, officials say rising infrastructure costs and projected growth have prompted the need for updates rates. A major part of the plan includes expanding water production capacity at the Marble Hill plant from 4 million to 8 million gallons per day – a project with an estimated cost of $7.325 million.

The IURC will hold a public hearing on the request at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, in Room 222 of the PNC Center, located at 101 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Customers who wish to review the filing can do so online by visiting www.in.gov and navigating to the IURC's online services portal. The case can be accessed using Cause Number 46167.