Indiana would cap basic electric and gas rate increases in utility commission cases

Indiana's utility commission would limit increases in basic rates using the average monthly change in national electric or gas prices. The rule covers regulated electric and gas utilities in rate cases filed or pending after December 31, 2025. If national prices stay flat or fall, no increase is allowed. If they rise, no customer class's increase may exceed that average monthly change. The proposal gives this rule a retroactive January 1, 2026, start. The price comparison covers at least five years ending with the utility's test period.

Certain electric utilities would put a rule in standard rate offers requiring very large power users to repay their share of project costs. This covers one customer or up to four together seeking added demand above 5% of the utility's average peak demand over the past three years or 150 megawatts, whichever is less. Projects must be needed mainly to serve these users. Users would owe their share even if they take less service or take it later than planned. The rule applies to standard rate offers made after March 14, 2026.

Indiana's utility commission could not let utilities collect listed costs through customer rates. This applies to electric and gas utilities whose customer rates the commission approves. The listed costs include direct and indirect spending on lobbying, charitable giving, and investor relations. The restriction also covers an employee's pay if any of their time that year goes to lobbying or other political work. The proposed restriction would take effect July 1, 2026.

Regulated utilities would file yearly spending reports, and the commission would link to those reports online. This applies to electric and gas utilities whose customer rates the commission approves. Reports would cover listed costs billed to the utility, including costs from related companies, and work by staff on listed activities. The commission must withhold information that state or federal law bars it from disclosing. The proposed reporting chapter would start July 1, 2026, with annual reports beginning in 2026.