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 State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne).
"Affordability, reliability and transparency should be at the top of mind for utility companies," Lehman said. "I look forward to seeing concrete recommendations that protect Hoosier ratepayers while maintaining dependable service."
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.
To further address rising energy costs, Lehman supported House Enrolled Act 1002 this year aimed at increasing energy affordability and holding utilities accountable for hitting performance benchmarks tied to lowering costs and improving service. Lehman said once enacted, this legislation 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.
A letter was recently issued 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.
Lehman encourages constituents with any concerns regarding utility rates to contact his office at in.gov/h79 or call 317-234-9380.
-30-
State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County, and portions of Jay and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
