STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 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. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville).
"On the heels of 1002 and robust conversation on affordability, I am glad action is being taken to ensure accountability, bill transparency and cost-effective energy practices that benefit all Hoosiers," Shonkwiler said. "I am eager to see the results of the upcoming investigation and hope to see a positive impact on Hoosier energy bills."
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, Shonkwiler authored 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. Shonkwiler 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.
Shonkwiler encourages constituents with any concerns regarding utility rates to contact her office at in.gov/h29 or call 317-232-9611.
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State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) represents House District 29,
which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
