(EVANSVILLE) - Utility costs and customer outrage in the far southwest corner of Indiana is adding to a growing statewide spotlight on how power companies are operating as regulators intensify scrutiny.
The Evansville City Council voted 6-0 Monday to approve a resolution urging state regulators to block any additional CenterPoint Energy rate increases.
The move comes from Indiana's opposite corner, but it mirrors concerns in our region - raising alarms over rising monthly utility bills.
City leaders in Evansville say some residents are now facing bills comparable to mortgage payments, while testimony at the meeting highlighted roughly 16,000 customers who are more than two months behind, totaling about $5 million in unpaid balances.
Council members also raised concerns about whether smart meter technology may be contributing to higher bills.
The action lands as the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission continues taking a closer look at how utility companies are operating, with billing practices, rate structures and customer impacts all drawing heightened statewide attention.
CenterPoint is scheduled to hold a community meeting in Evansville Tuesday night as pressure continues to build.