Before we can talk about fixing Indiana’s rising electric bills, we need to understand the laws and policies already shaping them. In this video, I breakdown CWIP and TDSIC two major utility cost recovery laws and explain both sides of the debate in simple terms so Hoosiers can better understand what’s happening to their bills. #Indiana #electricrates
In Indiana, legislation can be stopped before it’s ever debated. From committee chairs to lobbying groups, a small number of players can shape the direction of utility policy.
If you’ve ever wondered why things don’t change—this is where it starts.
It starts with you—the people. Because real change takes more than arguing on social media. It takes understanding the system… and showing up.
Next week, we’ll break down the real options for change.
Electric rates don’t just happen—they’re shaped by policy, regulation, and decisions made long before they hit your bill. This video breaks down the system and the roles of the Indiana Legislature, the IURC, and the OUCC.
In the next one, we’ll tackle the biggest hurdle to change: politics power and the people. #indiana #electricity
Since 2011, a series of federal environmental regulations have significantly changed how electricity is produced in coal-heavy states like Indiana. These policies didn’t ban coal—but they made it much more expensive to operate, leading to major investments, early plant retirements, and a shift toward natural gas and solar. Below is a timeline of the key regulations that shaped these changes:
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)
Finalized: 2012 | Compliance: 2015 (extensions into 2016–2017)
Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Rule (coal ash) Finalized: 2014 | Compliance began: 2015–2016 | Updates: 2018, 2020, 2024
Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) (water discharge)Updated: 2015 | Compliance phased in: 2018–2025+
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)
Original: 2011 | Implemented: 2015 | Updates: 2016, 2023
Most of these rules were finalized between 2011 and 2015, with real compliance costs beginning around 2015 and continuing into the 2020s.
Together, these overlapping regulations increased the cost of operating older coal plants and played a major role in shifting how electricity is produced costs that are still reflected in customer bills today.
Most Hoosiers don’t realize Indiana actually has three different types of electric utilities—and the one you have isn’t something you can easily change.
Here’s the breakdown:
• Investor-Owned Utilities (for-profit, state-regulated)
• Municipal Utilities (owned by your city, community-focused)
• Electric Co-ops (member-owned, not-for-profit)
This system wasn’t randomly chosen—it was built decades ago based on geography, cost, and access. And today, it’s essentially locked in by design.
So can a city switch providers?
Technically yes… but it could cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars and take years of legal battles, and 95% of the time these costs are a responsibility of the customer.
Bottom line:
Your electric bill isn’t just about usage—it’s shaped by history, policy, and infrastructure decisions made long before you.
➡️ In my next video, I’ll break down how federal policy is impacting your electric bill right now—and what that means for your wallet.
Indiana’s utility structure was established in 1913, creating a centralized, state-level framework to oversee essential services like electricity, gas, and water. That foundation is still in place today.
Over time, that system has been expanded—most notably in 2013 with Senate Enrolled Act 560, which allowed utilities to recover costs more quickly as they invest in infrastructure.
Supporters point to improved reliability and modernization.
Others raise concerns about how quickly costs reach consumers and the level of transparency.
This isn’t about taking sides—it’s about being informed.
Because when we understand the system, we can have more meaningful conversations about the impact it has on our families and communities.
➡️ In my next video, I’ll break down the different types of utility providers in Indiana—and what that means for you. #Indiana #Energy