Novak calls for public hearings, legislative action on utility regulation

Today, Aug. 26, Northwest Indiana's Democratic House delegation, joined by the ranking minority member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, called on Speaker Todd Huston to direct the General Assembly to investigate NIPSCO's response to the Aug. 11 derecho that left hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers without electricity — thousands for more than two weeks. The full letter is attached.

State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) issued the following statement:

"While I welcome the governor's call for an investigation into NIPSCO's mishandling of the recent widespread power outage, the General Assembly needs to prioritize legislation regulating utilities. We are calling for public hearings that will help the legislature gather information on what needs to be done to rein in these monopolies like NIPSCO that have failed in their duty to their customers. This will allow us to come back to the Statehouse in January with a better perspective on how to prevent future outages and extreme rate hikes. NIPSCO owes its customers answers after the total mess we have been through.

"The governor can hire and fire as many regulators as he wants, but a revolving door is not going to solve our problems with utility companies. The bottom line is that the IURC is beholden to the rules set for it by the General Assembly. If we want to see real change with how our utilities are regulated, the legislature needs to take action. Utility companies like NIPSCO have to be held to a higher standard.

"During the 2027 regular session, I think that all members of the General Assembly need to take a long hard look at the pain that rising, expensive utility bills are causing their constituents. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting legislation that gives Hoosiers real relief."

Northwest Indiana lawmakers call for legislative investigation into NIPSCO’s storm response

Northwest Indiana's Democratic House delegation, joined by the ranking minority member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, today called on Speaker Todd Huston to direct the General Assembly to investigate NIPSCO's response to the Aug. 11 derecho that left hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers without electricity — thousands for more than two weeks.

In a letter sent to the Speaker, Chair of the Legislative Council, the lawmakers urged the Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council to assign the topic to the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications interim study committee under SECTION 2 of Legislative Council Resolution 26-01, and to hold public hearings in the affected communities of Northwest Indiana.

The delegation specifically asked that the study committee (1) take public testimony in the Region rather than only at the Statehouse, so that members hear directly from residents and small businesses who went without power, and (2) require NIPSCO to appear before the committee for questioning.

“Northwest Indiana residents have endured more than two weeks without electric service,” the lawmakers wrote. “Those residents are frustrated that despite paying ever-higher rates to NIPSCO, the utility struggled to restore service while Illinois utilities restored service within four days of the disaster.”

Reports have circulated of out-of-state line crews providing aid who described the emergency response as poorly coordinated.

The House Democrats cited the General Assembly's independent responsibility to examine what went wrong and to be prepared to file legislation when the session convenes in January.

“The General Assembly has a responsibility to perform its own independent, public investigation of NIPSCO’s response to ensure it is prepared to introduce any necessary legislation during the upcoming legislative session,” the letter stated. “We should be acting with a sense of urgency to ensure any shortcomings in the response to this natural disaster are not suffered again by Northwest Indiana or any region of our state.”

A copy of the letter is available here.

Signed by: State Reps. Carolyn Jackson (HD 1-Hammond), Earl Harris Jr. (HD 2-East Chicago), Ragen Hatcher (HD 3-Gary), Randy Novak (HD 9-Michigan City), Chuck Moseley (HD 10-Portage), Mike Andrade (HD 12-Munster), Vernon G. Smith (HD 14-Gary), and Matt Pierce (HD 61-Bloomington), ranking member of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications.

Novak issues statement concerning recent NIPSCO rate hike requests

On Friday, July 24, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order to keep operating coal-burning power plants which were set to be retired. Braun cited increased energy demands from AI data centers as his reasoning for keeping them open.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) filed a request with regulators to collect $38 million dollars from ratepayers in return for complying with federal executive orders that forced two coal plants in Northwest Indiana to stay operational. This request comes on the heels of Wednesday's ruling by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) that denied NIPSCO's request to bill ratepayers $741 million for natural gas infrastructure improvements.  

State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) released the following statement:

"Our federal and state governments need to be doing more to protect energy consumers. By requiring utility companies to keep old, unreliable and costly coal plants operational, they are stifling energy innovation and raising rates on customers. I get that coal has become something of a culture war issue. But the White House should put our wallets before making a point for the sake of making a point.

"If the government is going to force coal-burning power plants to stay open for the development of privately owned AI technology, the corporations profiting off that technology should be footing the bill, not consumers. I am supportive of Indiana's 'all-of-the-above' energy approach, but propping up an outdated energy source without any benefit to Indiana residents is not a sound strategy. The $38 million NIPSCO is requesting is just for one quarter. As long as these plants are forced to stay open, that number will continue to rise.

"I do want to applaud the IURC for rightfully denying NIPSCO's request to pass of $741 million in development costs to consumers. Utility providers need to bring sufficient evidence that consumers will benefit from projects like this before they can raise prices on their customers. I am hopeful that in the future our regulators will protect Hoosier families from unnecessary costs like they did in this case."

Novak issues statement on state trooper shot outside of Michigan City

Today, July 10, an Indiana State Police trooper was shot near the Speedway gas station along U.S. 421 south of I-94. This marks the second time in two months that a law enforcement officer has been shot and injured in LaPorte County. In May, LaPorte County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Samuelson was critically injured after he assisted a stranded motorist by taking him to the hospital and later realized the individual was a suspect from an incident in Illinois.

The state trooper injured in today's shooting is in "stable" condition. The suspect allegedly drove a stolen pickup truck into the trooper's vehicle and then proceeded to shoot at the trooper. The suspect was later found deceased.

State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), whose district both shootings occurred in, released the following statement in response to today's shooting:

"Our law enforcement officers wake up every day knowing the risks that come with the badge, and they show up anyway. Behind every badge is a person with a family waiting for them to come home. Deputy Samuelson's story reminds us that even an act of kindness, helping a stranded motorist, can put an officer in harm's way. When one of them is shot in the line of duty, the entire community feels it, and their families feel it most of all.

"I am grateful for the first responders and medical personnel caring for the state trooper injured today, and for every officer who continues to serve LaPorte County despite these dangers. To them I say: We see you, we are grateful for you and we will not accept violence against you as normal. Two shootings in two months is two too many. This has to stop.

"I ask all of our neighbors to keep the state trooper in our prayers as well as all emergency responders."  

Novak calls for answers after DNR commission resignations, States Hoosiers deserve a government that still answers to them

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's blocking of citizen input and lack of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

‍ ‍

“For weeks, I have watched this unfold, and I have reached one conclusion. We cannot keep pretending this is normal. When the people who have spent their careers at this agency and know how this system is supposed to work choose to walk away rather than put their name on what it has become, the rest of us have a duty to stop and act.

‍ ‍

“In my district, that is home to some of Indiana's most beloved outdoor spaces, folks expect honesty and transparency. They expect the people running our agencies to be honest with them, the rules to be made out in the open, and someone to be looking out for the woods they hunt, the lakes they fish, the ground they farm, and the bills they pay. That basic bargain is what just broke.

‍ ‍

“Here is what worries me most. If trusted, longtime public servants no longer believe they can do their jobs honestly, no Hoosier has reason to believe the next decision was made fairly. We do not fix that by hoping it blows over. We fix it with accountability.

‍ ‍

“It’s time to restore and rebuild a process that answers to the people of Indiana.”

‍ ‍

Novak celebrates ceremonial signing of HEA 1048, boosting support for volunteer firefighters

Yesterday, April 29, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) joined Gov. Mike Braun, firefighters and key stakeholders for the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1048 — legislation long overdue in recognizing the dedicated men and women who volunteer each day to protect Indiana communities.

HEA 1048 increases the yearly minimum clothing and vehicle allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250 each, helping offset the cost of essential out-of-pocket expenses incurred in service.

‍ ‍

Novak released the following statement:

"Yesterday was a great day for Indiana's volunteer firefighters, and it's been a long time coming. Standing here with the very people who put on the gear and run toward danger — that's what this is all about. This increase may seem modest, but it sends the message that Indiana stands behind the over 13,000 citizens who volunteer to keep our communities safe.

‍ ‍

"I'm grateful to have this legislation signed into law, and to everyone who testified, reached out, and shared their stories along the way. Your voices moved this across the finish line. To my House co-authors, Reps. Chuck Moseley, Steve Bartels, and Jim Pressel, and our Senate Sponsors, thank you for your partnership.

‍ ‍

"There is more work to be done to support all of our first responders, and I remain committed to continuing that effort. Today, we celebrate,  and tomorrow, we keep moving forward."

‍ ‍

HEA 1048 passed with full bipartisan support during the 2026 legislative session.

‍ ‍

Novak calls for action following IURC investigative inquiry

Today, March 24, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) held an investigative inquiry into Indiana's investor-owned utilities: AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC, Indiana Michigan Power Company, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company, LLC (NIPSCO). The IURC also recently announced a statewide listening session tour to hear directly from consumers about costs, with the first listening session taking place in La Porte on Thursday, March 26.

State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) attended today's inquiry and issued the following statement regarding the inquiry and listening sessions:

"I'm thankful to the IURC for holding this investigative inquiry and holding these listening sessions. Throughout the legislative session, I heard from countless constituents about rising utility costs and the impact on families. Providing opportunities to let them make their voices heard is a good first step. However, this investigative inquiry and listening session series cannot be the end of the conversation. The average NIPSCO customer has seen their utility bill jump roughly 26% over the past year. They need action taken right now to ensure their utility bills don't get further out of control. I look forward to working with the IURC and my colleagues in the Indiana General Assembly to ensure the fight continues on behalf of Hoosiers."

Novak supports efforts calling on the IURC to review NIPSCO utility rates, further advocates for transparency

Today, Feb. 24, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) released the following statement regarding the request for an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) review of Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) residential utility rates:

“Families across our communities have been sounding the alarm on their utility bills for some time. When monthly costs spike like this, it demands a serious, independent review.

“House Democrats raised these concerns months ago and sent a letter to the IURC in September 2025 calling for action. I am glad to now see House Republicans join in requesting a review. This is something we have been pushing for, and it is the right step forward.

“Today, I am also joining fellow House Democrats from our region in sending a letter to the IURC reinforcing the need for a thorough review and real answers for ratepayers.

“I support the call for the IURC to take a hard look at NIPSCO’s rates and provide clear answers. Hoosiers deserve to understand exactly what they are paying for and to trust the system is working fairly.

“This review is important, but it cannot be the end of the conversation. If there are opportunities to strengthen transparency, improve stability or lower costs, we should be prepared to act. House Democrats offered multiple amendments to House Bill 1002 to address these concerns, but each was voted down.

“This effort must stay bipartisan and focused on results. We expect real answers because Hoosiers deserve real relief and full transparency. I will also be formally requesting a Summer Study Committee to examine high utility costs in The Region so we can pursue solutions that directly impact our communities.

“I am ready to work with anyone committed to keeping energy costs reasonable and delivering meaningful relief for Hoosier families. Let’s keep the momentum going and get this done.”

Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters heads to the Governor’s desk

Today, Feb. 18, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) filed for a motion to concur on the amendments added in the Senate to his House Bill 1048. HB 1048, which increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses, now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

Novak released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“I’m proud we got this done, especially in a short session where every minute counts. At the end of the day, this is about showing our support for the men and women who volunteer to protect our communities. This may be a small change in statute, but it makes a real difference. It’s a step in the right direction, and it sends a clear message that Indiana stands behind our volunteer firefighters.

"I appreciate my House co-authors, Reps. Chuck Moseley, Steve Bartels and Jim Pressel, our Senate sponsors, and everyone who took the time to reach out, testify and share their experiences. That input matters. Seeing this pass with bipartisan support reaffirms our commitment to set politics aside and do what’s best for the people we serve.

“There’s more we can do, and I’m committed to continuing the work to support the people who keep us safe. Let’s keep moving forward.”

To view updates on HB 1048, click here.

Novak testifies in committee to honor local hero

Today, Feb. 2, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) testified before the House Roads and Transportation Committee in strong support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, a bipartisan measure urging the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to rename the stretch of U.S. Highway 12 between the Michigan and Illinois state lines as the “Chief Marshal James R. Kautz Memorial Highway.”

The resolution honors James Rodger Kautz, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and long-time Chief Marshal for the Town of Long Beach, Indiana, who gave his life in the line of duty after being struck while assisting at the scene of a three-vehicle accident in 1997. Chief Marshal Kautz’s leadership, patriotism and sacrifice left an enduring impact on his community and on all who knew him.

Novak, who personally knew Chief Marshal Kautz and lived in the same area where Kautz served, offered heartfelt remarks during testimony:

“Chief Marshal James R. Kautz was the embodiment of selfless public service — a decorated veteran whose courage, loyalty and unwavering dedication to community made him a guardian not only of law and safety, but of the people he served every day. Naming this stretch of U.S. 12 in his honor is not just a symbolic gesture, it is a permanent reminder that heroes come from our own neighborhoods, that their sacrifices matter and that Indiana will never forget those who gave everything to protect others.”

Novak emphasized that memorializing Chief Marshal Kautz in this way will ensure future generations recognize his service and the risks first responders accept each day.

The resolution, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Mike Bohacek and Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. and co-sponsored in the House by Novak and Rep. Jim Pressel, passed unanimously out of committee and moves to the House floor for further consideration.

Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters passes out of House

Today, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1048, authored by State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), sending the bipartisan legislation to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1048 increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses. The bill reflects continued bipartisan support for Indiana’s volunteer firefighters.

Novak released the following statement on the bill's passage out of the House:

“Volunteer firefighters step up for our communities without hesitation, often at their own personal and financial expense. This bill is about recognizing that commitment and making sure they have meaningful support to do their jobs safely and effectively.

“I’ve heard directly from volunteer firefighters across Indiana about the challenges of affording clothing and maintaining reliable vehicles. Increasing this allowance is a practical step that helps ease those burdens and supports the roughly 831 volunteer fire departments that Hoosiers rely on every day.

“This issue is personal to me. I spent years alongside firefighters and saw firsthand the sacrifices volunteer departments make to keep their communities safe. I know the long hours, the strain on families, and the out-of-pocket costs that too often come with answering the call. Supporting our volunteer firefighters isn’t just good policy, it’s a responsibility we owe to the people who are always there when Hoosiers need them most.

“I’m proud to see this bill advance with strong bipartisan backing, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as it moves to the Senate.”

Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters passes unanimously out of committee

Today, Jan. 22, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety unanimously passed House Bill 1048, authored by State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City). The bipartisan bill increases the yearly minimum allowance from $100 to $250 that volunteer fire department members each receive to spend on clothing and automobiles.

Novak, former Fire Chief of the Michigan City Fire Department, released the following statement:

"I am pleased to see such bipartisan support for our first responders. Over 70% of fire departments in Indiana are volunteer departments, and it is crucial we make sure they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

"These brave volunteers dedicate their spare time and energy to protect Hoosiers. I've heard directly from our volunteer firefighters about purchasing clothing and keeping up with vehicle maintenance. This small increased allowance will help ease their financial burden and ensure our approximately 831 volunteer fire departments throughout the state are properly staffed and equipped to handle emergencies.

"I want to thank my co-authors, Rep. Jim Pressel, Rep. Steve Bartels and Rep. Chuck Moseley for their support. I look forward to bringing this bill to the House floor and taking the next steps to better support our first responders."