Governor Mike Braun has announced three new appointments to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), underscoring a stated focus on utility affordability, reliability and protecting ratepayers. The new commissioners will begin their terms on January 12, 2026. State Senator Andy Zay (R–Huntington) has been named chair of the IURC. Senator Zay previously represented Senate District 17 and brings legislative [...]
Indiana’s utility regulatory framework is entering a period of rapid transition with departures at both the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). Commissioners Sarah Freeman and Wesley Bennett will leave the IURC in October. Chairman Jim Huston, who has led the agency since 2018, will step down in January after serving in [...]
SB 373 – Carbon Credit Programs Authored by Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange); sponsored by Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) This bill requires the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with Purdue University and other technical experts in the area of carbon verification and voluntary carbon credit markets, to study and make findings and [...]
Senate Bill 304 (Intimidation Against Utility Workers), authored by Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), offers needed protection to workers that often interface with people in difficult situations without the ability to protect themselves. This Chamber-supported bill cleared the Senate 40-0. Senate Bill 472 (Utility Rates and Acquisitions), authored by Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), was approved by the Senate 36-4. This [...]
Senate Bill 517 – Utility Relocation for Road Projects Authored by Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) This bill provides that if a utility hasn’t acted – to comply, apply for a waiver or appeal – within 90 days after receiving an order from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to relocate utility facilities that will interfere with a planned construction [...]
Senate Bill 304 – Intimidation Against Utility Workers Authored by Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) As introduced, provides that a person who communicates a threat to another person with the intent of interfering with the provision of utility service or communications service for a dwelling, building or other structure commits intimidation, a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that the offense is [...]
By Greg Ellis, vice president of energy and environmental policy The headline: A plan to address drinking water, wastewater and storm water management needs in Indiana should happen sooner rather than later. That’s all possible thanks to HB 1267 which establishes a water infrastructure taskforce to develop the long-awaited, long-term strategy. This was a legislative priority for the Chamber [...]
Bill # and Title: HB 1050 – Small Cell Wireless Structures Author: Rep. David Ober (R-Albion) Summary: Provides that the definition of “wireless support structure” does not include a utility pole owned or operated by: (1) a public utility; (2) a municipality; (3) an electric membership corporation; or (4) a rural electric cooperative. Does include wireless carriers. Provides that [...]
Distressed Utilities and Road/Utility Repair Bills Ready for Full Senate Votes Bill # and Title: SB 411 – Distressed Utilities Author: Sen. Erich Koch (R-Bedford) Summary: This bill amends a provision in current law concerning the acquisition of distressed water or wastewater utilities to require that, upon filing a petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to include [...]
Bill # and Title: HB 1267 – Water Infrastructure Taskforce Author: Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) Summary: Establishes a Water Infrastructure Taskforce consisting of 14 members including: the chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), four other ex-officio members, three members of the Senate, three members of the House of Representatives and three members appointed by the Governor. It [...]
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