Southwest Indiana residents sound alarm on energy costs: Burton survey results

Ahead of tonight’s Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission field hearing in Evansville, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) is releasing the results of his community utility survey, which drew 1,195 responses from Southwest Indiana residents.

Burton released the following statement on the results:

“The data paints a clear picture that energy costs are not just inconvenient, they are unsustainable. The results confirm what I’ve been hearing at every door, every town hall and every community event. Nearly 1,200 of our neighbors took the time to tell us exactly what they’re experiencing, and tonight I’m bringing their voices into that room.”

Survey Results Breakdown:

What are residents saying?

• Nearly half of respondents - 47.6% - reported their highest bill in the past 12 months exceeded $500, with 6.6% reporting bills over $1,000.

• 78.1% of residents said they do not feel confident they can reach a utility representative to answer questions about their bill.

• More than two-thirds of households - 67.3% - experienced power outages two or more times in the past 12 months due to weather.

What do residents want?

• 90% support pausing rate increases.

• 93% believe the IURC should hold annual hearings in each investor-owned utility territory.

• 64.4% support at least one annual sales tax exemption on utility bills, with an additional 29.3% open to the idea.

The IURC field hearing will be held this evening, April 7, at the Old National Events Plaza from 6-8 p.m. CST. 

Burton encourages all Southwest Indiana residents to attend and testify. "The IURC needs to hear from you directly - not just from utility companies. Tonight is your opportunity to put a face and a voice to these numbers. Please come out."

Burton is urging the IURC and his colleagues in the legislature to act on the data with concrete solutions, including:

• A moratorium on all rate increases

• An annual sales tax exemption on utility bills

• Annual IURC field hearings in every investor-owned utility territory

• Tools and technologies that empower families to monitor and manage their energy usage

• Incentives for counties generating energy from the most affordable sources, aligned with Indiana's energy policy goals

"HEA 1002 was a start, but it cannot be the finish line. The people of Southwest Indiana have waited long enough. This data is going directly to the IURC and to my colleagues in the Statehouse - and I will keep pushing until we see real relief."

Survey results and resident comments will be shared with the IURC and members of the Indiana General Assembly for use in shaping future legislation.

Burton comments on ceremonial signing of HEA 1002

Today, April 6, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1002, utility reform legislation he co-authored during the 2026 legislative session. HEA 1002 regulates electric utilities and establishes performance-based ratemaking in Indiana.

"For too long, Southwest Indiana families have felt helpless watching their utility bills climb with no relief in sight. Today's signing of HEA 1002 is a meaningful step toward prioritizing ratepayers over profits and bringing greater accountability to the process. I was proud to help craft this legislation, and I'll keep pushing for policies that make energy rates more affordable, more stable and more fair for every Hoosier."

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Burton is also urging residents to attend tomorrow's Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission listening session in Evansville, where commissioners will hear directly from the public on energy affordability.

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When: Tuesday, April 7 | 6-8 p.m. CST 

Where: Old National Events Plaza (715 Locust St., Evansville, IN 47708)

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Additionally, Burton is asking constituents to complete his Utilities and Energy Cost Questionnaire Survey. Responses will be shared directly with the IURC and used to inform future legislation.

"Your voice matters in this process. Please come to tomorrow's hearing, and please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. The more data we have, the stronger the case we can make on your behalf.”

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Burton outlines accountability plan amid IURC hearings

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Last week, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced a listening session series throughout the state, following an investigative inquiry on March 24. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers are begging for actions that result in affordable energy rates. I'm focused on ushering in long-term solutions that result in reducing the monthly anxiety for Hoosiers across Indiana. The future of energy in Indiana is not a partisan issue, but it directly impacts urban, rural and suburban communities equally. I will continue to be a reasonable voice focused on delivering positive outcomes for ratepayers. These high bills are unfairly overburdening working and aging Hoosiers across the state.

"I fully understand that we are in a period of energy transition, but this transition must be incredibly responsible, transparent, equitable and fair. Following today's hearing, I will send a letter to each Commissioner of the IURC, Secretary Jaworowski and Gov. Braun to urge them to:

1. Explore enacting a moratorium on all rate increases

2. One or two months of a sales tax exemptions – annually

3. Incentivize counties that generate energy and/or large load projects focusing on cheapest sources of energy as part of Indiana's 'all of the above' energy approach that contribute and align to Indiana's energy policy goals, which are reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability

4. Explore tools and technologies that would allow families to monitor or regulate usage that leads to a more manageable bill

"The legislature got the ball rolling with House Enrolled Act 1002, but this should only be the start. The common Hoosier is incredibly frustrated and wants immediate action by the IURC and/or the Braun administration. With so much global instability, this is a time for us to reinforce our energy independence. Hoosiers deserve to have our interests heard followed by swift actions. Many families and local businesses are struggling, which directly puts local communities in harm's way. Energy costs are a threat to Indiana's brightest future."

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Burton encourages constituents to attend IURC public hearing

On Tuesday, April 7, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will host a public hearing from 6-8 p.m. CT at the Exhibit Hall B at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. Customers will be able to hear directly from IURC officials and share their input and how high utility rates have impacted them and their families.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement regarding the public hearing:

"I'm looking forward to welcoming the IURC and Chairman Andy Zay to Evansville. Our energy costs have been burdensome for more than a decade, and they are negatively impacting our local economy. I'm a proud partner with the IURC, my colleagues in the legislature and the Braun administration to find long-term solutions that result in affordable energy bills, reliable energy delivery and strategic investments that shape energy policy for decades to come.

"Actions came out of the 2026 legislative session, and now the IURC wants to hear directly from customers. It is my hope that more actions materialize from their visit to Evansville for the sake of families in our community. This event will give an overview to changes happening in Indianapolis, but more importantly, it's an opportunity for our community to be heard, respectfully."

For more information on the public hearing, click here.

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Burton comments on IURC announcement to investigate five major utility companies in Indiana

Today, Feb. 25, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s announcement that it will investigate the five major utility companies in Indiana:

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of months of concerns raised by Hoosiers across the state. Rising energy costs are putting real pressure on families, which in turn is driving action in the legislature and at the IURC. This is one of several efforts with bipartisan support, and it is encouraging to see that alignment focused on addressing energy costs.

“The IURC Chairman has announced a statewide tour, and I am preparing for his visit to Evansville. I look forward to hosting him locally and continuing intentional conversations with community members to identify solutions that are affordable, reasonable and sustainable.

“This legislative session has reinforced my commitment to serve on the Utilities Committee. There is more work ahead, but meaningful steps are underway to address Hoosiers’ concerns about rising energy costs.”

Burton’s co-authored bill creating major utility reform heads to governor’s desk

Last week, House Bill 1002, co-authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), championing utility affordability, passed out of both chambers and head's the Governor's desk.

Burton issued the following statement on the bill’s headway:

“Since day one, I’ve been focused on one thing: bringing stability and relief to Hoosiers facing rising energy costs. As a freshman legislator, I’m doing the work to push energy policy in a direction that keeps affordability front and center.

"HB1002 is a meaningful first step, and I’m committed to building on this progress with my colleagues. As Indiana moves toward performance-based ratemaking, we must stay disciplined about efficiency, responsible reporting and clear transparency for consumers. I’m going to keep pushing to make sure Hoosiers see the benefits.”

Burton’s bill to protect children in DCS heads to Governor’s desk

Yesterday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), passed out of the Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1307 strengthens oversight of the Department of Child Services by requiring the DCS Ombudsman to actively investigate complaints, review cases where children may have been put at risk and make recommendations when problems are found. The measure is aimed at ensuring accountability and better protection for children and families across Indiana.

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

“This is about the children. Plain and simple. When there are failures in the system, it is our responsibility to confront them head on. Indiana is sending a clear message that we will not look the other way when it comes to protecting our youngest Hoosiers.

“This legislation ensures that concerns are not brushed aside. It requires action. It demands accountability. And it strengthens the protections our children deserve.

“This has been a long time coming. I am grateful to my House co-authors, our Senate sponsors and every advocate, parent, caseworker and community member who shared their stories and pushed for change. 

“Your voices made this possible. Protecting Hoosiers is not a partisan issue - it is a moral obligation. I am proud of the bipartisan support behind this bill and am hopeful for stronger safeguards because of HB 1307.”

Op-Ed: Fear does not equal good policy

Title: Fear does not equal good policy

By: Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 615

The Indiana General Assembly should be focused on solving real problems for Hoosiers, not fighting proxy battles for the federal government. Yet political divisiveness remains convenient, and too often it blinds lawmakers to what actually serves Indiana’s best interests. We are sent to Indianapolis to be the voice of reason for our communities, not to chase headlines or rehearse national talking points.

Right now, immigration has become the centerpiece of a misguided state agenda that wrongly paints our neighbors as a drain on taxpayers and a burden on public services. That framing leans on fear and exclusion instead of facts. Immigrants are part of why communities across Indiana are growing, working and moving forward.

Does implementing aggressive state immigration policies solve anything? No. It fractures families, disrupts communities and distracts us from meaningful reform.

Immigration touches nearly every corner of our economy - health care, manufacturing, agriculture and construction, to name a few. These industries rely on real people doing real work that keeps Indiana running. Yet we continue to debate policies that treat human beings as statistics or political leverage instead of neighbors deserving dignity.

Legislative decisions driven by fear, misinformation or national rhetoric do not strengthen our state. They shatter families. They deepen mistrust. And, they move us further away from practical solutions.

Let me be clear: there is a better way to approach immigration policy without being cruel, irrational or disruptive. Senate Bill 76 is political messaging disguised as reform. It inserts Indiana into a complicated federal system without offering meaningful solutions. At the same time, it suggests that our law enforcement agencies are somehow failing in their duties. That is a disservice to the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.

There has been no comprehensive economic study evaluating how SB 76 would affect Indiana. That matters. We should understand how immigrant workers contribute to our workforce and tax base, but we must also recognize that their value extends far beyond economics. These are families, neighbors and community members. They deserve to be treated with dignity, not reduced to talking points.

Meanwhile, Indiana is still owed an undisclosed amount of federal funding for housing detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility. Hoosiers are footing the bill while Washington delays reimbursement. That is a serious fiscal issue, yet it receives far less attention than political theater.

All of this is happening while families across Indiana struggle with child care costs, housing affordability and access to health care. People are losing faith in government - yes, even at the state level - because they see energy poured into symbolic fights while everyday needs go unmet.

We are trying to renovate a house built on a cracked foundation. If we keep patching around the edges instead of addressing the system as a whole, the damage will only spread. Immigration reform requires thoughtful, comprehensive action at the federal level, not piecemeal state measures that divide communities and strain resources.

Indiana should be competing to improve quality of life, strengthen our workforce and support families - not racing toward policies that create fear, instability and resentment. When people come here to work, raise families and contribute to our communities, they are pursuing the same promise that built this country. The message should not be: the American Dream for me, but not for you.

I am fighting for every Hoosier because Indiana is our home. My responsibility is to protect the people who live, work and build their lives here. All of them. We can take a step back, reject harmful distractions, and pursue real, actionable solutions that strengthen our communities instead of dividing them.

That is the work Hoosiers deserve.

Burton’s co-authored HB 1002 passes out of House, Advances utility reform to Senate

Today, Jan. 28, the House passed House Bill 1002, a bill that reshapes utility ratemaking in Indiana.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a co-author on the legislation, issued the following statement on the bill’s passage out of the House:

“Since the beginning of my time in the House, I have been clear about my priorities. My focus is on building relationships and advancing energy utility policy that delivers real relief for families. In just my second year and serving in the superminority, I’m proud to be a co-author on a priority bill coming out of the House that helps shape the future of energy policy across Indiana.

“For more than a decade, families have faced rising utility costs with little accountability or meaningful action. In the last year alone, Southwest Indiana gained representation on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and now HB 1002 has passed the House. That progress matters, but our work is not done.

“Every month, households anxiously wait for their energy bills, and far too often those high costs force families to choose between groceries, medicine or other basic necessities. This bill is not a cure-all, but it establishes clear metrics, intention and a path forward toward greater affordability and transparency for ratepayers. I will continue advocating for policies that put Hoosiers first.”

HB 1002 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Burton’s bill to protect children from abuse and neglect passes the House

Today, Jan. 28, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville). This bipartisan bill seeks to protect Indiana children by requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) Ombudsman’s office to investigate complaints alleging that DCS failed to protect a child's physical or mental health and safety.

Burton released the following statement:

“DCS is meant to be a safe haven to protect our children, yet dozens of Hoosier children are still put in harm's way every year — many of whom are already in the DCS system. I authored HB 1307 to curb this issue by requiring DCS’ Ombudsman’s office to investigate and resolve complaints alleging DCS of failing to protect a child’s wellbeing. The Ombudsman’s office was created to serve as an independent watchdog office over DCS. This bill ensures they’re doing just that.

As a member of the House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee and a long-time children's advocate, I am very proud to have authored HB 1307. I’m even prouder that my first bill to pass the House is about protecting children. I’m eager to see it move to the Senate for further consideration, and with any luck, to Gov. Braun’s desk to be signed into law.

Burton on passage of HB 1002 out of committee

Today, the House Utilities and Telecommunications Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 1002 to the House floor.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of committee:

“Last week, my remarks regarding ‘budget billing’ were heard and resulted in a legislative change that updates the term to ‘levelized billing,’ providing consumers with a more stable energy rate based on their historical energy usage.

“I remain optimistic that we can continue working toward stronger protections for consumers’ energy costs, including improved transparency and notification systems that keep Hoosiers informed about their energy usage.”

Burton on Gov. Braun’s State of the State

This evening, Jan. 14, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) attended Gov. Braun’s State of the State address held in the House Chamber.

Burton released the following statement in response:

“I appreciate the governor’s directness to address housing, child care and energy costs. These are unavoidable expenses, and for too many Hoosier families, they have become overwhelming, forcing difficult choices between necessities like groceries, children’s activities or handling an unexpected expense such as a flat tire.

“There is real work ahead to make life more affordable while expanding opportunity for all Hoosiers. As the legislative session continues, I will keep working on behalf of my constituents by legislating, advocating and advancing meaningful policies that help families get ahead.”