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In April Indianapolis leaders and legal representatives announced lawsuits seeking to make landlords pay for back utilities owed. Citizens Energy Group said it is owed $1.7 million. The company now says it plans to shut off service Sept. 30 if an agreement can’t be reached.
Jill Sheridan/WFYITenants have been notified that utilities will be shut off at apartments where landlords refuse to pay water and energy bills. The city of Indianapolis had been working with the state and Citizens Energy Group to force the owners to pay through lawsuits.
JPC Affordable Housing and Berkley Commons has four apartment properties that all face negligence citations. In a statement Citizens said it is owed $1.7 million in back payments. The company says it plans to shut off service Sept. 30 is an agreement can’t be made.
The negligent landlords were targeted by a series of lawsuits this spring in an attempt to make them settle up back payments. Renters pay their utlities through their agreement.
In a statement Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the decision to send shutoff notices was disappointing and throws residents into uncertainty amidst an already challenging time.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.
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