STATEHOUSE (March 29, 2023) – State Rep. Ed Soliday's (R-Valparaiso) legislation supporting a diverse and robust state energy plan that ensures reliability and affordability for Hoosier ratepayers is headed to the governor where it could soon be signed into law.
As chair of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, and co-chair of the 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force, Soliday worked on recommendations for a comprehensive energy policy for the state. He said with House Enrolled Act 1007, state energy decisions would be required to take into account the five pillars of electric utility service, which include reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability.
"Hoosiers and business owners are feeling the squeeze caused by rising energy costs, and many share concerns about whether Indiana will face power outages like what's happened in other states," Soliday said. "With this legislation, we are developing a long-term energy plan for the state that will continue to satisfy the five pillars of electric utility service."
Soliday said the five pillars would act as a guide in future energy policy as legislators continue working through the current energy market. House Enrolled Act 1007 also requires the study of performance-based ratemaking by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to support innovation and flexibility in the state's regulatory framework. The bill recommends lowering the unforced capacity an electric utility can purchase from the capacity markets. The current UCAP limit of 30% will be reduced to 15%, which Soliday said ensures utilities can generate enough of their own electricity in case the grid does not provide enough electricity to purchase. Soliday said this move would safeguard electric reliability for all Hoosiers in the face of extreme events, and prevent brownouts and blackouts.
To follow legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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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.
