INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun issued a directive Friday calling on state utility regulators to speed up reviews of proposals that could lower electricity bills for Hoosiers.
Braun’s directive calls on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to prioritize and accelerate rate-reducing proposals within its authority while maintaining the reviews required under state law.
“When utilities come forward with proposals to lower rates, I want those savings getting into Hoosiers’ pockets as quickly as possible,” Braun said. “I’m directing the IURC to expedite these filings and make sure families aren’t waiting any longer than necessary for relief.”
The directive follows recent announcements from two major Indiana utilities about plans to return revenue from large electricity customers, including data centers, to existing customers.
Indiana Michigan Power announced in August a proposal to provide approximately $59 million in customer bill reductions in 2027. The company says a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could save about $100 annually.
I&M also says its proposal would freeze residential electricity rates for three consecutive years. The company delivered two rate reductions during the first six months of 2026.
NIPSCO announced Wednesday that it plans to return $57.5 million in new revenue from data center development to existing electricity customers.
Under that proposal, residential customers would receive approximately $90 in bill credits over 18 months, or about $5 per month. The credits would require IURC approval and are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
Braun said the goal is to ensure Hoosier families benefit from economic growth and new large-scale energy customers rather than bearing the costs associated with increased electricity demand.
The governor has made utility affordability a priority and called on energy companies to put lower costs for customers ahead of profits.
