The Culver Town Council members are looking into the possibility of establishing a municipal electric utility and purchasing the service territory from the current electric provider.
Town Manager Jonathan Leist and Culver Redevelopment Commission member Paul de Benedictis researched the potential project where Leist said there could be a benefit to the town and to the residents, business owners and non-profit organizations. He did look at costs with some of the biggest customers in the area.
“I think we can save approximately 10 percent on electric rates by pursuing this municipal-run utility rather than having the service, distribution, and power purchased from NIPSCO.”
Council member Rich West noted that the 10 percent estimated savings was a conservative number and it could fend off potential increases with NIPSCO.
The council did agree to move forward with the project with the initial cost of $5,000 to be split between the town and the Culver Redevelopment Commission. The Culver Redevelopment Commission will take up the matter at their meeting tonight at 5 p.m. ET. From there, more information will be presented at the next council meeting on Tuesday, June 23.
