STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2026) – The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission announced plans to investigate energy affordability with the five largest investor-owned utilities in the state – Duke Energy, CenterPoint Energy, AES Indiana, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Indiana Michigan Power – according to local lawmakers.
"Hoosiers deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to their energy bills," said State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn). "This review is an important step toward stronger oversight and finding meaningful solutions for families and small businesses, though one day is a short window to examine such a complex issue. I look forward to the results and to ongoing efforts to keep costs low."
According to the IURC, the investigation will take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and give the utilities an opportunity to present on energy affordability including short- and long-term solutions to address rising costs and how usage and rates affect bills.
"Energy affordability isn't optional for working Hoosier families," said State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne). "I'm encouraged that the IURC is taking a closer look at rates, spending and billing practices so that we can identify solutions that will lower costs and improve accountability."
To further address rising energy costs, House Enrolled Act 1002 is aimed at increasing energy affordability and holding utilities accountable for hitting performance benchmarks tied to lowering costs and improving service. Once enacted, this law will provide tools for managing costs and strengthen consumer protections by automatically enrolling low-income Hoosiers eligible for Indiana's energy assistance program in levelized billing with clear disclosures and an opt-out option.
"This investigation will help shine a light on what's driving higher bills and what can be done in the short term to provide relief," said State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City). "Ratepayers deserve straightforward billing that prioritizes affordability."
The investigation is set for Tuesday, March 24, from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in room 222 of the PNC Center at 101 W. Washington St., in Indianapolis.
"After passing House Enrolled Act 1002, which strengthens consumer protections, this review adds another layer of accountability," said State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne). "A closer look will help ensure utilities are managing costs effectively and putting customers first."
A group of state lawmakers, including Smaltz, Carbaugh, Abbott and Morris, recently issued a letter to IURC Chair Andy Zay calling for an investigation into NIPSCO's increasing residential utility rates. The letter noted three specific areas to evaluate: investments and operational expenses in the past decade that have resulted in NIPSCO having the largest rate increase among the IURC-regulated electric utilities, improvements that can be made to enhance transparency around NIPSCO’s residential electric and natural gas bills so customers can have better clarity on their rates and charges, and steps that can be taken in the short term to provide more rate stability and help curb rising retail rates for all customer classes for electric and natural gas service.
Local lawmakers encourage constituents with any concerns regarding utility rates to contact their office at in.gov/h52 , in.gov/h81, in.gov/18 and in.gov/h84.
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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
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State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County
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