Governor Braun directs IURC to speed up utility rate reduction approvals for Hoosiers

 Indiana Governor Mike Braun today directed the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to expedite its review of utility filings that would lower rates for Hoosier ratepayers, advancing his efforts to make energy more affordable across Indiana and save money for Hoosier families.

The Governor's directive calls on the IURC to prioritize and accelerate consideration of rate-reducing proposals within its statutory authority, helping ensure Hoosiers receive the benefits of lower utility costs as quickly as possible.
 

"Affordability is my top priority, and every opportunity to save Hoosiers money on their electric bills requires urgent action. When utilities come forward with proposals to lower rates, I want those savings getting into Hoosiers' pockets as quickly as possible. I'm directing the IURC to expedite these filings and make sure families aren't waiting any longer than necessary for relief." — Governor Mike Braun

While these filings will continue to receive the same thorough review required under Indiana law, the IURC should ensure that proposals that lower rates or return money to customers move through the regulatory process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Governor Braun has called on utility companies to prioritize affordability for Hoosier families over profits. He specifically noted that two major Indiana utilities have responded to that challenge, indicating they would deliver significant savings to Hoosier ratepayers by using revenue from large electricity customers, including data centers, to reduce costs for existing customers.

Indiana Michigan Power: Multiple Rate Reductions This Year & $59 Million Proposed for 2027

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) delivered two rate reductions to Indiana customers in the first six months of 2026. Those reductions have already lowered electricity costs for Hoosier families.

On August 26, 2026, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) announced a proposal to deliver approximately $59 million in customer bill reductions in 2027.

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) says this proposal would reduce bills further and freeze rates on Indiana residential customers' monthly bills for three consecutive years, giving Hoosier households greater certainty and affordability in their energy costs.

Under the proposal, a typical Indiana residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month would save approximately $100 annually on their electricity bills.

The proposed savings are made possible in part by increased revenue from large customers. Governor Braun has made clear that Hoosier ratepayers should benefit directly from increased economic growth through savings rather than paying for large load customers’ increased energy demand.

NIPSCO: $57.5 Million in Electric Bill Relief for Hoosiers

On October 28, 2026, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced plans to return $57.5 million in new revenue from data center development directly to its existing electricity customers.

Under the proposal, residential electricity customers would receive approximately $90 in bill credits over 18 months, reducing their electric bills by approximately $5 each month. The credits, which are subject to IURC approval, would provide direct savings to families across Northern Indiana.

These bill credits will help offset electricity costs for Hoosier households, allowing families to share in the financial benefits of new economic development without bearing the infrastructure costs of these large projects. NIPSCO expects the longer-term credits to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and increase over time.

Putting Hoosier Ratepayers First

Gov. Braun's IURC directive will prioritize consideration of proposals that return savings to customers, including those that use new revenue from large-scale energy users to lower utility costs.

The directive builds on Gov. Braun’s broader efforts to strengthen utility oversight, make energy more affordable, and ensure Hoosiers have access to reliable energy at just and reasonable rates.