summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Utility transparency and reporting. Provides that the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) may not authorize a public utility that: (1) provides retail electric or natural gas service; and (2) is under the IURC's jurisdiction for the approval of rates and charges; (utility) to recover through the utility's retail rates and charges any direct or indirect costs associated with specified expenses and activities related to lobbying, legislative action, political activities, charitable giving, litigation, investor relations, and other specified activities and expenses. Beginning in 2025, requires a utility to file with the IURC an annual report that includes specified information concerning costs to: (1) the utility; or (2) an affiliate of the utility; that are related to these expenses or activities and that are directly billed or allocated to the utility. Requires the IURC to make available on the IURC's website a direct link to the annual reports provided by all utilities under these provisions. Provides that on any customer bill issued by a utility after December 31, 2025, the utility must include a break down of the charges and fees that make up the total amount owed, including a description of the service or cost associated with each charge or fee. Sets forth certain charges and fees that must be delineated as specific line items on each customer bill.
AI Summary
This bill aims to increase transparency and accountability for utilities in Indiana by implementing several key provisions. The legislation prevents the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) from allowing utilities to recover costs through customer rates for activities such as lobbying, political activities, charitable giving, entertainment, investor relations, and certain travel expenses. Starting in 2025, utilities will be required to file annual reports with the IURC detailing these prohibited expenses, including specific information about costs, employee activities, and third-party vendor billing. The bill also mandates that beginning January 1, 2026, customer bills must provide a comprehensive breakdown of charges and fees, with specific line items for distribution and delivery charges, generation and supply costs, individual program charges, account credits, taxes, and billing fees. The IURC must make these annual reports publicly available on their website, with appropriate redactions to protect sensitive information. By requiring detailed reporting and itemized billing, the legislation seeks to provide customers with greater insight into how utility companies spend money and structure their rates, promoting transparency and potentially helping consumers better understand their utility costs.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Senators Spencer and Ford J.D. added as coauthors (on 01/13/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/434/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/senate/bills/SB0434/SB0434.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/senate/bills/SB0434/fiscal-notes/SB0434.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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