STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2026) – State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), chair of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, is calling for a comprehensive review to examine utility preparedness and response following the August derecho impacting Northwest Indiana.
Soliday is urging the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to contract with an independent, third-party to review preparedness and response efforts of regulated utilities and other critical responders. He is also asking the Legislative Council to assign the topic to the Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, which he chairs, for a hearing to examine the response to the derecho, hear directly from affected communities and stakeholders, and identify opportunities for improvement.
"Residents across Northwest Indiana are facing significant hardships from the prolonged power outages following the recent storms," Soliday said. "These were historic, catastrophic storms that tested the state and our region's readiness and response. Hoosiers deserve to know what worked, what didn't and what needs to improve before the next major storm. That's why I'm calling on the IURC to commission an independent, third-party review of the utilities' response and proposing an interim study committee to answer immediate questions and concerns. As recovery continues, I remain incredibly grateful to the first responders, linemen, organizations and neighbors who continue to work tirelessly to assist in restoration efforts."
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
