If you’ve seen your electricity bill rise every month, you’re not alone.
On average, Hoosiers spend about $257 per month on electricity — or $3,084 per year. That’s 16% higher than the national average.
In Congress, I’ve worked to lower energy costs, with legislation to help our planet and create ways for your family to reduce energy costs. But the Trump administration has reversed many of those policies — including tax credits for clean energy upgrades and funds to increase the energy efficiency of your home. If you previously claimed one of those credits, you won’t be able to this year when you file your taxes. These programs saved Hoosiers money. Eliminating them is a mistake.
To address the utility crisis, we have to look at why it’s happening and what we can do about it.
Why it’s happening
Energy costs today remain elevated for several reasons, including supply-chain disruptions, higher infrastructure costs, and delayed investments in energy efficiency. In addition to the reversal of clean energy tax credits I helped pass, many other Trump policy decisions are contributing to rising utility bills. For example, the president’s tariffs imposed on steel, aluminum and many types of electrical equipment increased the cost of maintaining and upgrading the power grid — costs that utility companies ultimately pass on to customers.
Black Hoosiers are hit even harder with rising utility rates. A first-of-its kind national study shows that Black Americans are paying a disproportionately higher share of their incomes to power their homes. Older homes and higher rental rates are possible factors. There is already a racial wealth gap in this country — Black households hold about 10% of the wealth of white households. Rising utility rates only compound this crisis.
Recently, local Black leaders submitted a letter to the Indianapolis Recorder criticizing the lack of Black voices in the local conversation. We need more research into this issue — and we also need Black voices to be centered in that research and advocacy.
How I’m fighting it
I’ve fought to bring energy costs down by investing in clean energy, strengthening our grid and lowering utility bills for working families. I’m also grateful to the residents and local leaders standing up and pushing back against rate increases — your voices are making a difference.
In Congress, I’m championing legislation that addresses these cost drivers directly. This includes efforts to reverse tariffs that increased the cost of grid equipment, restore and strengthen energy-efficiency standards that help families reduce their energy use, and modernize our electric grid so it becomes more affordable and reliable.
I also support a clean energy approach to lowering costs and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Shifting to cheaper, homegrown clean energy is one of the most effective ways to stabilize and reduce household energy bills.
These steps are part of a broader strategy to bring down energy costs for Hoosier families and ensure everyone has access to safe, reliable and affordable utilities.
How to get help
Despite the Trump administration’s failed policies, there are still ways to get help with your monthly energy bill. The Indiana Energy Assistance Program (IndyEAP) is a federally-funded program that can provide relief to your household by assisting with electricity and heating. You can visit indyeap.org to see if you qualify.
Before offering any assistance, many other local agencies require an application with IndyEAP as a first step. In addition, all applicants for the IndyEAP — even those who are not approved — are protected from disconnections between Dec. 1 through March 15.
Emergency assistance may also be available through your township trustee. To find your local township office, please visit indy.gov/workflow/find-your-elected-official. Please also call before visiting your trustee in-person. They may send you initial forms to complete and request you bring in certain documents for your visit.
For further options, please dial or text 2-1-1 to get connected to community navigators. My office also stands ready to assist with navigating resources and communicating with Indy’s utility companies. You can visit carson.house.gov/need-help or contact my office at (317) 283-6516.
Once more, those who are struggling to afford your bills — you’re not alone. I’m representing your interests in Congress and here in Indianapolis to bring you some much-needed relief.
U.S. Rep. Andre Carson represents the 7th district of Indiana. Contact Rep. Carson at carson.house.gov/contact.
