CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare for the changing weather ahead 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Sept. 23, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to leverage energy and money saving tools, tips and resources as part of their preparation for the changing temperatures as autumn begins. Customers can unlock energy savings through a combination of easy-to-implement tips, remain connected to company programs and stay safe as they wrap up outdoor projects for the year.  

“We’ve heard from our customers in southwestern Indiana about the impact of recent rate changes, and we recognize the frustration this has caused,” said Mike Roeder, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at CenterPoint. “In addition to listening and continuing constructive conversations with customers, community leaders and local stakeholders to help address affordability, we’re continuing to highlight the tips, tools and programs available to help manage energy use and bills.” 

CenterPoint offers customers tips and programs to fall into energy and cost savings 

Customers can do the following for energy and cost savings:  

·       Verify the furnace or boiler is working: Prior to using a furnace or boiler for the first time this season, use a qualified technician to perform a tune-up and system inspection. 

·       Change or clean the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50 percent of a home’s energy use. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home’s system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently. Conduct a home energy assessment: Available to all households, this no-cost assessment includes on-the-spot upgrades such as weatherstripping, aerators, pipe insulation and a smart thermostat. Customers also receive a personalized home energy report with tailored recommendations. Income-qualified customers can access no-cost home assessments and on-the-spot upgrades through the Neighborhood Weatherization Program. Similar to those offered through the Home Energy Assessment, participants in this program may be eligible for additional improvements, such as insulation and furnace tune-ups, at no extra cost.Visit the online Energy Efficiency Store: CenterPoint offers a variety of discounted products through its online Energy Efficiency Store including smart and programmable thermostats, air purifiers, pipe insulations, window insulation kits, weatherstripping, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. 

·       Keep a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: Use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home, such as around windows and doors or where air from the outside could enter.  

·       Save hot water while maintaining comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home’s hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use without sacrificing comfort.  

·       Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified products for increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time. Energy efficiency rebates may be available for new, qualifying appliances. 

Governor Calls for Strong Applicants for Open IURC Roles

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Governor Mike Braun affirmed his commitment to protecting Hoosiers by calling for an entrepreneurial approach to address utility rates. He named three individuals to the nominating committee of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), the administrative agency that makes decisions in the public interest to ensure utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

“It is important that the IURC nominating committee look at applicants through a lens that considers one’s ability to protect ratepayers while objectively weighing the facts and proposals that will impact Hoosiers for years to come.” – Governor Mike Braun

The appointees to the nominating committee are Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzie Jaworowski, former Indiana State Representative Dollyne Sherman, and Cory Cochran, a business executive from Floyd County. They will join four members previously nominated by the General Assembly.

With the nominating committee in place, Governor Braun announced that applications are now open for three IURC commissioner vacancies. The nominating committee will review applicants and forward recommended finalists to Governor Braun.

Governor Braun encourages entrepreneurial candidates who will objectively consider proposed energy-related filings and their impact upon Hoosier ratepayers to apply to serve on this commission. The roles are full-time positions.

“Ensuring that Indiana has efficient utilities without overburdening Hoosier families is critically important to me. If you are an entrepreneurial thinker and creative problem solver, I encourage you to apply to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.” — Governor Mike Braun

Attorney General Todd Rokita has sent legal guidance to school superintendents and public university administrators explaining their authority consistent with the First Amendment to discipline or terminate educators who make public statements that are disruptive to school operations.

The assassination has generated grief and outrage across the nation. Disturbingly, some Indiana educators have exacerbated the pain and sorrow that many parents and students are feeling by making divisive statements that excuse or even celebrate Kirk’s death.

“When teachers or professors entrusted with shaping young minds cheer the violent death of a political figure, they forfeit the moral authority to stand in front of a classroom,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Free speech is not a license for public employees to disrupt government operations by destroying public trust through callous, crude, and controversial speech. Schools and universities have legal authority to act to restore public confidence in our schools by disciplining these teachers—up to and including termination.”

The Attorney General’s guidance makes clear that while educators retain First Amendment rights, those rights are not unlimited in the government employment context. Courts have consistently recognized that public employers may regulate government employee speech—including speech made in an employee’s private capacity—when it disrupts government operations. As the Supreme Court has said, “when a citizen enters government service, the citizen by necessity must accept certain limitations on his or her freedom.” Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410, 418 (2006). That is especially true for teachers, who occupy uniquely sensitive and important positions.

The Attorney General’s guidance also explains that, in many if not most cases, the noxious speech some public-school teachers have engaged in with respect to Charlie Kirk could be proper subjects for disciplinary action by schools.

“Schools don’t need to wait for chaos to break out,” Rokita emphasized. “The law permits administrators to act proactively when a teacher’s speech threatens disruption or corrodes community confidence. Schools are well within their legal authority to prioritize protecting students and preserving public trust.”

The Attorney General’s Office has received hundreds of complaints from parents and other concerned Hoosiers about troubling comments made by educators on social media and in other forums. To promote accountability and transparency, the Attorney General encourages citizens to continue submitting complaints to the Eyes on Education portal on the Attorney General’s website.

“Parents are the most important voice in their children’s education,” Rokita said. “By sharing items of concern, you ensure that Indiana classrooms remain safe, supportive, and focused on educating our children, not indoctrinating them or exposing them to controversial political views. Together, we can and should hold educators to the highest standards.”