FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is inviting public comments on the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed water rate increase through Jan. 23, 2026, as state regulators review the utility’s request for higher rates and new long-term debt.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will also hold a public field hearing on Dec. 17, 2025, at Citizens Square in Fort Wayne. The hearing begins at 6 p.m., with consumers encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. for a procedural overview. No decisions will be made at the hearing, which is solely for gathering public testimony.
Written comments may be submitted through the OUCC’s website or by mail. The agency noted that comments become part of the public case record and are posted online. “Comments should not include sensitive personal information,” the OUCC said, emphasizing that submissions must reference “IURC Cause No. 46311” or “Fort Wayne Water.”
The city is seeking a three-phase rate increase totaling $10.3 million in additional annual revenue, along with approval to issue up to $70 million in long-term debt. According to testimony filed by the utility, the changes are needed to address higher operating and maintenance costs, lead service line replacements, distribution system repairs, and water filtration upgrades.
Under the proposal, monthly charges for a residential customer using 4,000 gallons would increase as follows:
City Customers:
• Current: $29.65
• Phase 1 (Summer 2026): $31.98
• Phase 2 (Summer 2027): $33.58
• Phase 3 (Summer 2028): $35.26
Out-of-Town Customers:
• Current: $32.66
• Phase 1 (Summer 2026): $34.77
• Phase 2 (Summer 2027): $36.51
• Phase 3 (Summer 2028): $38.34
All calculations include fire protection charges. Only water rates are under review; municipal sewer rates are not regulated by the IURC.
Oral comments provided at the field hearing will carry the same weight as written submissions filed by Jan. 23. “The purpose of the hearing is to receive public testimony,” the Commission stated, adding that utilities do not make presentations or answer questions during field hearings.
OUCC staff will be available at the hearing to answer questions about the process. A final decision is expected in Summer 2026. Case updates are posted on the OUCC’s website and available through its monthly electronic newsletter.
