Burton celebrates passing of SB 178 and opportunity for relief from expensive utility bills

Today, March 24, Senate Bill (SB) 178 passed out of the House and heads to the governor's desk for final approval. SB 178 would recognize natural gas and propane as clean energy sources in Indiana.

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

“For the past decade, Democrats and Republicans alike have been frustrated with the energy costs in Southwest Indiana and Evansville. We have consistently paid the most expensive utility bills in Indiana, leading some community members to move to neighboring states in the Tristate area – unable to afford the cost of living.

“To be clear, since my swearing-in, my goal in the Statehouse has been to reduce the costs of energy utility bills for Hoosiers by any means necessary. SB 178 creates a pathway of possibility that I’m proud to co-sponsor and support by adding natural gas and propane to the list of clean energy resources. This new policy change may lead to our communities in Southwest Indiana accessing grants and subsidies that ultimately reduce our monthly energy bills. 

"While some may question this policy, this piece of legislation is the first this session to offer a clear path to relief for overburdened Hoosiers. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the legislature, the Braun Administration, and the federal government to address unreasonable consumer utility costs.”

Burton: ‘SB 178 creates a pathway of possibility’

Today, March 17, Senate Bill (SB) 178  passed the House without amendments and is now advancing toward a final vote in the House. SB 178 would recognize natural gas and propane as clean energy sources in Indiana.

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

“By recognizing natural gas and propane as clean energy sources, we are opening a path of possibility that must be pursued. In Evansville and much of Southwest Indiana, residents have faced the highest utility bills in the nation for the past 16 years. With these new definitions in place, I will advocate for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider the Evansville area as a recipient of funding, particularly from the $20 billion in project funding that was recently canceled.

“Reducing utility costs for Hoosiers is a top priority, and this legislation could provide the framework needed for Southwest Indiana to finally see some relief. It's time to move beyond discussion and take steps—like this one—to offer real utility bill relief to our communities.”

Burton’s utility accountability amendment added to HB1459

Today, Feb. 13, State Rep. Alex Burton’s (D-Evansville) amendment to House Bill 1459 passed unanimously in the House. The bill outlines new rules for water and wastewater utilities in Indiana that aren’t currently regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

Burton's amendment adds a requirement for utilities that aren't regulated by the IURC. These utilities must report any consent decrees (agreements they’ve made with the government) or federal mandates to the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA). They must do this according to the reporting schedule mentioned in the bill.

Burton released the following quote on the amendment’s passage:

“Historically, Evansville has solved its infrastructure problems independently and has not asked the state for much assistance. This is a small step that I hope will one day lead to the state providing resources to communities like Evansville to address federal mandates and consent decrees.”

Op-ed: Burton on CenterPoint electric utility rate increase: ‘Now is the time for action, we cannot afford to wait any longer’

By: State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 350

Energy utility costs in Southwest Indiana have been unreasonably high for more than a decade, and recent decisions are making matters worse. On Feb. 3, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted to approve CenterPoint's latest rate increase proposal for electricity. As a City Councilor, I supported efforts to intervene in such rate hikes, and now, as a state legislator, I remain committed to finding lasting solutions. My goal is to legislate effective measures that address the root causes of these high utility costs. This includes: (1) implementing payment deferment on rate hikes during periods of economic hardship, (2) ensuring residents have a fair voice by creating a voting seat on the IURC, (3) promoting non-burdensome renewable energy options, and (4) establishing fair and transparent formulas for determining rate increases.

Unfortunately, these goals are not yet reality. As it stands, the Indiana General Assembly (IGA) has shown little interest in providing relief to residents who are struggling under the weight of high utility costs. While I understand that achieving change is an uphill battle, the impact of these costs is felt across every household, nonprofit, and business in House District 77. For this reason, I actively sought a seat on the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and will continue to legislate our best tomorrow.

But my concerns go beyond just this immediate issue. I fear our current path is setting the stage for even higher utility bills down the line. That’s why I’m working closely with my colleagues in the legislature, Attorney General Todd Rokita and housing organizations to raise awareness of Evansville’s reality and advocate for change. Utility relief shouldn't be a partisan issue, which is why I'm working across the aisle to find solutions.

We must be proactive in expanding energy options that offer both long-term sustainability and affordability. We also need to identify real, actionable solutions that reduce utility costs while simultaneously boosting efforts to increase safe, high-quality and affordable housing. Hoosiers deserve more than just rising utility rates; they deserve real relief.

Now is the time for action. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

Burton comments on IURC ruling approving CenterPoint’s proposed electrical utility rate increase

Today, Feb. 3, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) ruled in favor of CenterPoint Energy’s proposed electrical utility rate increase, which will raise customer bills by $35 to $50 per month. CenterPoint Energy is the primary provider of electricity and natural gas services for Evansville, Indiana.  

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement on the ruling:

“Energy utility costs are already a major burden for families, especially in Evansville, where we’re facing the combined challenge of rising energy prices and increasing costs of living. With this electrical rate increase, many of our residents will be hit even harder.

“While there is no simple solution to reducing energy costs, I’m committed to exploring every possible avenue to help alleviate this pressure on our community. I will continue to work with the IURC to ensure that they understand the impact these rate hikes have on local families and the broader Evansville economy. We need to ensure that energy becomes more affordable for everyone, and I’m focused on expanding energy options and pursuing innovative policies that help achieve that goal.”

Burton comments on House Bill 1007

HB 1007 would further place the cost of energy system upgrades on consumers

Yesterday, Jan. 21, the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications heard House Bill (HB) 1007. HB 1007 gives a state tax credit for manufacturing small modular nuclear reactors in Indiana. It also outlines a process for energy companies to get approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for projects meeting growing demand, large customers, or new generation plans. The bill sets rules for approvals, cost recovery and allows utilities to seek approval to cover development costs for these reactors.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement on HB 1007:

“We cannot attract people or businesses without addressing our high energy and utility costs. While I appreciate the author’s efforts to bring diverse energy options to Indiana, there are significant risks, primarily with the potential financial burden on working and aging Hoosiers, with no guarantee of success.“

Burton files HB 1349 in effort to create greater housing stability for Hoosiers

This week kicked off the official start of the 2025 legislative session. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) has filed House Bill 1349, which would require the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to provide detailed information on its housing stability programs within its annual report. 

Burton released the following statement regarding HB 1349:

“With the skyrocketing cost of housing, many Hoosier families are struggling to find safe, quality and affordable homes. It’s crucial we have a clear understanding of how our existing housing programs are impacting families in need. To effectively address Indiana's housing shortage, we must increase state investment, continue to align housing and economic development efforts, and tailor programs to meet Hoosier’s unique needs. This particular piece of legislation will help us better understand existing state program effectiveness. And, if needed, we can make the necessary adjustments to best serve all Hoosiers and their housing needs, including first-time homebuyers.”

Burton sworn in as Indiana House District 77 Representative

Today, Nov. 19, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) was sworn into the Indiana House of Representatives. A former Evansville City Councilman, Burton is a seasoned community advocate for neighborhood revitalization, equity, food access, youth development and housing. 

Burton released the following statement regarding today’s swearing-in ceremony:

"As a newly sworn-in state representative, I want families in Evansville and throughout Indiana to know that they have a champion at the table. Too many Hoosier families are struggling to get by, and our focus in the legislature ought to be about making life better for everyone, not further dividing our communities with hot-button issues that have little impact on their lives. From increasing access to safe, quality and affordable housing to creating pathways to better career opportunities and higher wages, we have our work cut out for us in the state legislature, and I'm ready to get to work.

"I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in the Indiana House Democratic Caucus as well as lawmakers across the aisle to make Indiana a more prosperous, inviting state for all. It is an honor to serve House District 77 and an honor to be joined by my family today as I begin my new role."