By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
When Hoosiers flip their light switch, they want to know that their power will come on.
Hoosiers deserve to have access to a reliable and affordable energy grid, and this year I sponsored legislation that aims to maintain our state's energy capacity while incentivizing the creation of new energy sources to meet the growing demand.
House Enrolled Act 1007 requires utility companies to prepare annual reports on planned energy generation facility retirements or power source conversions like switching a unit from coal-powered to natural gas-powered.
The bill also authorizes the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to investigate whether a facility retirement or conversion plan would maintain an adequate amount of energy capacity. If the IURC determines customers will be negatively impacted, it can issue an order prohibiting the retirement or conversion.
This year, I also co-authored Senate Enrolled Act 422, which encourages utility companies to use advanced transmission technologies when upgrading their electric infrastructure like power lines. These technologies are designed to increase efficiency and reliability as well as reduce congestion.
At the end of the day, the objective of Senate Enrolled Act 422 is to lower electric bills for consumers.
As your state senator, I will continue to work with my colleagues, constituents and stakeholders to ensure our electric grid has enough energy to power our homes, while finding ways to reduce the cost so Hoosiers can live in their homes comfortably.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
