AES Indiana customers will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed rate increase that could raise electric bills by more than 13% over the next two years.
The utility submitted its request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in June, seeking approximately $192.9 million in additional annual revenue. The plan calls for a 7.5% rate increase in mid-2026, followed by another 6% in January 2027. For a typical household using 1,000 kilowatt-hours each month, the change would mean about $21 more on the monthly bill.
According to AES, the additional funds would help offset higher operating costs and pay for grid upgrades, storm recovery improvements and clean energy projects. The proposal is part of a formal rate review process, which includes opportunities for public comment before a final decision in spring 2026.
The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is scheduled to file testimony on the request by Sept. 9. Written comments from the public are being accepted through Sept. 2.
Four field hearings are set for Indianapolis, giving customers an opportunity to speak directly to regulators:
- Aug. 18, 6 p.m., Community Room, Indianapolis Public Library – West Perry Branch, 6650 S. Harding St.
- Aug. 21, 6 p.m., 2nd Floor Auditorium, Southeast Community Services, 901 Shelby St.
- Aug. 25, 6 p.m., Auditorium, New Augusta Public Academy North Middle School, 6450 Rodebaugh Road.
- Aug. 27, 6 p.m., Blue Herron Ballroom, Fort Event Center at Fort Harrison State Park, 6002 N. Post Road.
AES Indiana last adjusted its base rates in April 2024, after regulators approved a smaller increase than originally proposed. The current request, if granted in full, would place AES among the highest residential electric rates in the state.
Residents can attend a hearing or submit comments online to the OUCC. More information and rate calculators are available on AES Indiana’s website at aesindiana.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
