INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) – The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation on Wednesday aimed at helping residents manage rising utility costs, but NIPSCO customers say the measure falls short of addressing their concerns about surging gas and electricity bills.
House Bill 1002, which focuses on electric utility affordability, passed with bipartisan support. The legislation requires utility companies to offer levelized billing plans to all customers, allows customers to opt out of payment plans without penalties, and prohibits electric utilities from terminating service during extreme heat when temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher.
Customer reaction mixed
NIPSCO customers who have been waiting for legislative action expressed disappointment with the bill’s provisions.
“Well, actually, after reviewing the bill, it just really feels like they just added salt into the injuries at this point,” said Tela Sattrwhite, a Gary resident. “Basically all they did was to opt everybody in to go on a budget plan, and we already have that option, so it’s even taking away that autonomy for us to opt in to that plan for yourself as well. So, at this point, it really feels like Hoosiers have no one representing them.”…