Braun orders faster utility bill cuts

Gov. Mike Braun issued a directive on Friday instructing the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to accelerate reviews of proposals that would lower electricity bills. The order requires the IURC to prioritize these filings while still conducting the legal reviews required by 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. He added that the commission should expedite these filings so families do not wait longer than necessary for relief.

The directive follows recent announcements from two major utilities regarding plans to return revenue from large electricity customers. These large users include data centers that have increased local energy demand.

Indiana Michigan Power announced in August that it intends to provide approximately $59 million in bill reductions for 2027. The company stated that a typical residential user consuming 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could save about $100 annually. I&M also proposed a three-year freeze on residential rates. The utility delivered two rate reductions during the first half of 2026.

NIPSCO announced on Wednesday that it plans to return $57.5 million in new revenue from data center development to existing customers. Residential customers would receive bill credits of approximately $90 over 18 months. This amounts to about $5 per month. The credits require IURC approval and are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

Braun stated that the goal is to ensure local families benefit from economic growth and new large-scale energy customers rather than bearing the costs of increased demand. The governor has identified utility affordability as a priority and has called on energy companies to prioritize lower customer costs over profits.