(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at reducing the impact of rising utility bills on consumers across the state.
House Bill 1002 would require utility companies to offer levelized billing, allowing customers to pay a consistent monthly amount instead of facing seasonal fluctuations in gas and electric costs. The bill would also require utilities to maintain service during periods of extreme heat and introduce performance-based ratemaking, which changes how utilities justify future rate increases.
The proposal follows months of consumer complaints related to higher delivery, supply, and rate charges, particularly involving customers of NIPSCO.
According to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, its Consumer Affairs Division has opened 823 cases involving NIPSCO since January of last year. Of those cases, 531 involved concerns over high bills, rates, or service charges for gas and electric service. Nearly half of those complaints were opened within the past two months.
The commission noted that some customers have filed multiple cases when they receive both gas and electric service. In many instances, consumers are first directed to attempt to resolve billing issues directly with their utility provider before a formal complaint moves forward.
House Bill 1002 passed the Indiana House on Wednesday by a vote of 89-4 and now moves ahead in the legislative process.