City Light Lease Media War

   Fort Wayne's fight with Indiana Michigan Power is turning into an all-out war fought in the media.

   City officials say I&M won't cooperate with the City's plan to switch to a new electric supplier.

   But a spokesperson for I&M says the City is distorting the facts. 

   The City argues I&M’s public and private statements don't match up. Here's an example:

   In a letter on July 22, 2009, the City requested to tour "each of I&M’s substations and other distribution facilities within the City's footprint."

   The City says I&M refused, and quoted this excerpt from a July 31, 2009 letter.

   "...I&M received the enclosed letter...as a 'formal request' for an inspection and tour of all I&M substations and distribution facilities 'within the City's footprint.'

   "In the interim, and until we have more guidance from the City, we will not be scheduling any 'tours' of I&M’s facilities as...requested."

   But Susanne Moorman Rowe, I&M’s director of communications, gave FOX Fort Wayne copies of the letters. She says the City has taken things out of context. I&M did say the City couldn't tour all its substations yet, as requested. But, according to the July 31 letter, the company offered to first let the City tour the "five remaining city-owned substations that can be accessed upon appropriate advance notice subject to any and all safety restrictions. Upon completion of these tours, we can consider whether any other tours will be conducted."
   FOX Fort Wayne tried to speak with three different City officials about the press release and ask further questions. No one was available.  
   To read the City’s press release, visit

http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/view/2448/634/.
   To view letters between the City and I&M, click on the attachment below.