By: State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)
February 7. 2025
Energy utility costs in Southwest Indiana have been unreasonably high for more than a decade, and recent decisions are making matters worse. On Feb. 3, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted to approve CenterPoint’s latest rate increase proposal for electricity. As a City Councilor, I supported efforts to intervene in such rate hikes, and now, as a state legislator, I remain committed to finding lasting solutions. My goal is to legislate effective measures that address the root causes of these high utility costs. This includes: (1) implementing payment deferment on rate hikes during periods of economic hardship, (2) ensuring residents have a fair voice by creating a voting seat on the IURC, (3) promoting non-burdensome renewable energy options, and (4) establishing fair and transparent formulas for determining rate increases.
Unfortunately, these goals are not yet reality. As it stands, the Indiana General Assembly (IGA) has shown little interest in providing relief to residents who are struggling under the weight of high utility costs. While I understand that achieving change is an uphill battle, the impact of these costs is felt across every household, nonprofit, and business in House District 77. For this reason, I actively sought a seat on the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and will continue to legislate our best tomorrow.
But my concerns go beyond just this immediate issue. I fear our current path is setting the stage for even higher utility bills down the line. That’s why I’m working closely with my colleagues in the legislature, Attorney General Todd Rokita and housing organizations to raise awareness of Evansville’s reality and advocate for change. Utility relief shouldn’t be a partisan issue, which is why I’m working across the aisle to find solutions.
We must be proactive in expanding energy options that offer both long-term sustainability and affordability. We also need to identify real, actionable solutions that reduce utility costs while simultaneously boosting efforts to increase safe, high-quality and affordable housing. Hoosiers deserve more than just rising utility rates; they deserve real relief.
Now is the time for action. We cannot afford to wait any longer.
