FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) made the following statement regarding BlackRock, EQT, CalPERS and the Qatari Investment Authority acquisition of AES:
STATEHOUSE (March 19, 2026) – "Throughout my tenure in the State Senate, utility companies have consistently made major announcements immediately upon the General Assembly adjourning, and this month's announcement regarding BlackRock, EQT, CalPERS and the Qatari Investment authority's acquisition of AES Indiana is the latest example.
"Hoosiers are already seeing their utility bills rise and are concerned this acquisition would further increase their costs. I am committed to keeping utility rates low for Hoosiers, and I share their concerns after doing my due diligence by reviewing public information on each entity within this 'Consortium.'
"This session, Rep. Becky Cash introduced House Bill 1186, which would have prohibited an acquisition like this from occurring. However, this bill did not get a hearing in the House nor did any of its provisions get added to another bill this session.
"Although the General Assembly will not get to weigh in on the AES acquisition, I am glad to know former Sen. Andy Zay is the commissioner of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and I am confident he and the IURC will carefully review this acquisition and the impact it will have on Hoosiers in central Indiana."
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Contact: Bradley Kelley, Press Secretary
Bradley.Kelley@iga.in.gov
317-234-3560
