The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced several action items on July 15 stemming from its Investigative Inquiry on Energy Affordability held on March 24, 2026, and the 10 listening sessions that were held around the state from March to April.
The announcement of this affordability initiative arrives after the IURC approved an AES rate increase for Hoosier customers in June and Gov. Mike Braun’s subsequent replacement of the IURC chairman.
“Hundreds of Hoosiers have spoken out, both at the listening sessions and through written comments they have submitted to the Commission regarding energy affordability,” said IURC Chairman Anthony Swinger. “We appreciate the important input we received. Based on that input, we are focusing on practical solutions for Indiana ratepayers as outlined in the report we are releasing today.”
These action items include formal and informal steps related to the implementation of the energy affordability bill from the 2026 legislative session, House Enrolled Act 1002, and outlining clear expectations for the utilities to improve their overall customer service and education practices.
The IURC launched two formal investigations into return on equity (ROE) and trackers to best evaluate the impacts of performance-based ratemaking on utility profits, risk, and affordability on July 15. These investigations are two of the specific actions outlined in the Commission’s report.
“Indiana law requires the Commission to balance the Five Pillars of Electric Utility Service Reliability, Affordability, Resilience, Stability, and Environmental Sustainability – when we deliberate any electric utility case,” said Chairman Swinger. “Prioritizing affordability does not mean sacrificing reliability or resilience. We will continue to work within state law as these conversations continue. And we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders in evaluating current and future opportunities for the benefit of all Hoosiers.”
State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications, released the following statement:
“Several of the action items included in the IURC report have merit. I’m happy to see the Commission putting forward recommendations to bring down utility costs. However, I find it ironic that many of these same ideas were already on the table during the 2026 legislative session.”
Among the action items, there were also recommendations to consider removing the sales tax from utility bills, expand the Indiana Energy Saver Program and properly communicate ratepayer relief options.
Official case files for both investigations are available and will be updated on the Commission’s Online Services Portal or at iurc.portal.in.gov under Cause Numbers 46428 and 46429.
For more information visit in.gov/iurc/home/investigative-inquiry-on-energy-affordability/ .
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
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