Evansville: We Spoke Up. Indiana Listened. Now Let's Keep Fighting for Affordable Energy.

~ **Evansville mayor urges utility affordability measures, careful review of data centers**

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry says residents' concerns about rising utility bills have prompted her to press state regulators and lawmakers for relief and greater accountability from utilities.

In a statement, Terry said she brought residents' concerns to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), emphasizing that although the city does not set utility rates, it has a responsibility to advocate for residents. She said Evansville's representative on the commission voted against the latest rate increase.

Terry also supports repealing Indiana's sales tax on utility bills, which she said would provide immediate savings without requiring customers to reduce energy use or apply for assistance.

The IURC recently announced actions following a statewide energy affordability investigation. They include formal reviews of utility profits and rate structures, new expectations for investor-owned utilities on affordability, customer service and energy efficiency, and recommendations for further policy changes.

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Terry said the measures are a step forward but will not immediately lower bills. During testimony to the commission, she described families struggling to pay for electricity and said high utility costs can affect housing affordability, business attraction and economic growth.

She also called for careful consideration of the energy demands of potential data center development. The Area Plan Commission recently recommended a 180-day moratorium on data centers, and the City Council held the first reading of a proposed moratorium on Sept. 28. Council President Ben Trockman said the pause would give officials time to assess potential benefits and impacts and consult experts.

Terry said officials should determine who would pay for infrastructure needed to support new energy demand, how existing ratepayers could be protected and what benefits development would bring to residents.

She identified expanded bill assistance, energy-efficiency and weatherization programs, improved utility customer service, and greater scrutiny of future rate requests as priorities. Terry urged residents to share concerns with the IURC, state lawmakers, the governor's office and CenterPoint Energy.

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