Lapel to Sell Gas Utility to Citizens Energy Group

$4.3 Million Sale Could Lower Rates by 22% for Residents

The Town of Lapel has officially entered the process of selling its natural gas utility to Citizens Energy Group in a deal valued at $4.3 million. The decision, approved by the Lapel Town Council earlier this month, marks a major shift in how natural gas service will be delivered to the community.

Competing Bids: Citizens vs. Ohio Valley Gas

According to consultant Dan Cutshaw of MS Consultants, both Citizens Energy and Ohio Valley Gas submitted bids matching the appraised value of $4.3 million. While Ohio Valley Gas offered to lock in Lapel’s current rates for five years, Citizens Energy secured the deal by pledging to provide the same rates it currently charges in Westfield—a move that will result in an immediate 22% reduction in rates for Lapel customers.

“Citizens Energy will be providing the same rates as Westfield, which will be a 22% reduction to Lapel customers.” — Dan Cutshaw, MS Consultants

What Residents Can Expect

  • Lower Rates: Citizens Energy’s adoption of Westfield’s rate structure will reduce local bills by about 22%.
  • Timeline: The sales agreement is expected to be finalized at the council’s Sept. 10 meeting.
  • Regulatory Approval: The sale must be approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), a process that could take up to 18 months.
  • Service Provider Transition: Citizens Energy Group will assume responsibility for operations, billing, and maintenance once approval is granted.

Why This Matters

The move comes after several difficult years for Lapel’s municipal gas system. During the polar vortex of 2021, Lapel was one of several small towns hit with wholesale gas costs over 70 times higher than normal, straining budgets and driving up customer bills. The town later became involved in a class‑action lawsuit, resulting in a $565,418 settlement in early 2024 that was distributed among local gas customers.

By selling the utility, Lapel aims to eliminate the financial risk of operating a small standalone system while delivering more predictable and affordable rates for residents.

Citizens Energy’s Track Record

Citizens Energy Group, a nonprofit charitable trust, already serves hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. Known for reinvesting in infrastructure and providing regulated rates under IURC oversight, the utility emphasizes long‑term reliability and customer service.

If past acquisitions are any guide, Lapel residents can expect:

  • Infrastructure upgrades such as pipe replacements and safety improvements.
  • Customer service support backed by a larger utility provider.
  • Rate oversight through IURC review and approval processes.

Key Dates to Watch

DateEvent
Sept. 10, 2025Lapel Town Council expected to finalize the sales agreement
2025–2027IURC review process (up to 18 months)
After IURC approvalCitizens Energy officially assumes service in Lapel

Looking Ahead

If approved, this sale will provide Lapel with a $4.3 million windfall, reduce monthly gas bills for residents, and shift the responsibility of running the utility to a provider with deeper resources and experience.

As the Sept. 10 vote approaches and the IURC review begins, residents will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds—and how quickly the promised savings reach their utility bills.

2025 Lapel Village Fair: A Stormy But Unforgettable Celebration

The 2025 Lapel Village Fair was truly one for the books, despite being cut short by a summer storm ⛈️! We had an amazing time, with plenty of delicious food 🍗🌽🍬, exciting rides 🚜, and spectacular fireworks 🎇🎆.

The Lapel Community Association couldn’t have made this beloved event, often referred to as the “World’s Fair”, happen without the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteers. We’re grateful for their tireless efforts!

We’d also like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory and Lapel Police Department – your support is crucial to the success of our Village Fair, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Additionally, we appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the Lapel Town Council, the Lapel Town Utility Department, and the entire Town of Lapel. Your help is invaluable, and we can’t thank you enough! 🙏 We’re thankful for your support, and we’re glad you were a part of it! ♥️

A huge thank you to all the amazing vendors who participated – your presence made the event even more special and enjoyable for our attendees!

And last, but certainly not least, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who came from near and far to experience Lapel’s greatest tradition. Your presence means the world to us, and we’re so glad you could join in on the fun! ♥️

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, and we can’t wait to see you all again! 😁🫶🏻

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Find Rummage Sales Near You During the Fair: Share and Discover Local Deals!

To find rummage sales happening during the fair, check out the comments section below for a list of addresses. If you’re hosting a rummage sale during this time, please share your address, dates, and operating hours with us so we can help spread the word.

[Image: Rummage sale flyer]

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Live Music Meets Small-Town Charm: Corey Cox Band at Lapel Village Fair Concert

🎉 CLOSING NIGHT CONCERT AT THE VILLAGE FAIR! 🎉
Get ready, Lapel — we’re ending the Village Fair with a bang! Join us on Saturday, July 12th from 6–8 PM at the Lapel Public Library parking lot for the first-ever Lapel Village Fair Concert, featuring the talented Corey Cox Band! 🎤🎸

This concert is more than just a night of great music — it’s a celebration of our community, the magic of summer nights, and the pride of small-town living. Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes, and friends for an unforgettable evening of live music, good vibes, and hometown fun. 🌟

Country music fans, you won’t want to miss Corey Cox, a hometown favorite with a big Nashville sound! 🎶 The night will also feature a variety of food trucks, so come hungry and ready to enjoy some delicious eats. 🧺

Here are the details:
📍 Lapel Public Library Parking Lot
📅 Saturday, July 12 | 6–8 PM

Tag your friends, share this post, and let’s pack the parking lot for a night to remember! 💃🕺 We can’t wait to see you there! #LapelVillageFair #CoreyCoxLive #LapelIN #SmallTownBigFun #SummerConcertNights

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Body Found in White River Identified:

NOBLESVILLE — Authorities have identified the man whose body was discovered Tuesday morning in the White River northeast of Noblesville.

According to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, the deceased has been identified as 35-year-old James Peoples of Noblesville. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for Thursday.

Emergency crews from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Cicero Fire Department, and Noblesville Fire Department were called to the scene around 11:35 a.m. Tuesday after a body was spotted in the river near the 11000 block of East 206th Street, between Riverwood Avenue and State Road 37. The body was located just south of the nearby bridge.

Capt. Scott Goff of the sheriff’s office noted that no watercraft or flotation devices were found near the body, and no missing persons reports had been filed prior to the discovery.

Goff also acknowledged that Memorial Day weekend typically brings high activity to the White River and, unfortunately, incidents like this are not uncommon. “It’s a busy time of year on the water,” he said, urging caution for those who plan to enjoy the river over the holiday.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.

Road Construction Updates for Lapel, Indiana: What You Need to Know for 2025

Hey, Lapel residents! As we roll into March 2025, it’s time to talk about what’s happening on the roads around our little corner of Madison County. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just enjoying a drive, here’s the latest on planned road construction that might affect you this year. I’ve dug into the details from INDOT and other sources to keep you in the loop—because nobody likes being caught off guard by a road closure or traffic delay!

Nearby Construction on State Road 32: New Stop Signs Coming Soon

Starting March 10, 2025, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is making some changes just west of Lapel along State Road 32. They’re installing new four-way stop signs at the intersections of SR 32 and Durbin Road and SR 32 and Prairie Baptist Road in Hamilton County. This isn’t right in Lapel, but if you head west toward Noblesville or beyond, you’ll notice the difference.

  • What’s Happening? INDOT is adding stop signs, rumble strips, flashing lights, and advance warning signs to make these intersections safer and easier to navigate.
  • How Long? The work should wrap up in about two days, barring any weather surprises (fingers crossed for a dry spell!).
  • Impact on You: Expect a brief disruption—maybe some slowdowns or a detour—while crews get this done. Once finished, these new stops could slow your trip a bit, but they’re designed to cut down on accidents. If SR 32 is your go-to route west, plan for an extra minute or two starting mid-March.