INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two public meetings with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will allow Indianapolis residents to speak on AES Indiana’s proposed rate hike.

The utility company has filed a regulatory rate review requesting a 13.5% increase in electricity rates for households consuming at least 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.

The proposed rate hike is attributed to rising costs of materials and labor, infrastructure investments, and expenses related to tree trimming and storm responses. If approved, the rate increase would be implemented in two phases: a 7.5% increase in the second quarter of 2026, followed by a 6% increase in January 2027.

The Citizens Action Coalition, a nonprofit group, has been actively holding town hall meetings to discuss the proposed rate increase. These meetings provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions and concerns.

Rachel Hardy, a resident of Indianapolis for over 20 years, spoke with News 8 following the coalition’s meeting, saying, “My house is small and I do everything I can to keep my electric use low. Whether it’s yelling at my kids to turn off all the lights, even changing the thermostat when I thought it would help. It didn’t help.” Her bill recently rose from $145 to $234.

This week, two public hearings are scheduled to allow ratepayers to speak directly to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

The first meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday at the Community Room of the West Perry Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, located at 6650 S. Harding St.

The second meeting will take place on Thursday at Southeast Community Services, 901 Shelby St.

During these field hearings, ratepayers can present their views to the regulatory commission or submit written comments. However, due to the pending nature of the case, commissioners and the judge are not permitted to answer questions or engage in discussions about the case.

For those unable to attend the meetings, written comments can be submitted to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor via mail or email. Comments should include the ratepayer’s name, city, and zip code, along with a reference to “Cause No. 46258.”

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