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Indiana's energy future: progress, innovation, and economic opportunity

Lawmakers passed a number of bills this year impacting energy and utilities. (Photo by Robert Zullo/States Newsroom) With the conclusion of Indiana's 2025 legislative session, Hoosiers have reason to be proud of our state's leadership on energy policy during this dynamic period of unprecedented energy demand. The legislature leaned into pragmatic, forward-looking solutions that balanced reliability, affordability, and innovation — all while reinforcing Indiana's commitment to economic growth and building upon current law. The nexus of energy and economic development was at the heart of this year's public policy proposals introduced by Sen. Eric Koch and Rep. Ed Soliday. Whether it was urging state and federal coordination, supporting emerging technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced transmission technologies, or speeding up generation build out for large customers, lawmakers and Gov. Mike Braun's administration worked with purpose to keep Indiana competitive and demonstrate leadership on key issues facing our state and nation. The adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 3 urges regional transmission organizations and the federal government to take action on expediting the approval of electric transmission and generation projects. This resolution recognizes that the ability to quickly develop and build additive energy infrastructure is critical to economic development and the utilities' obligation to serve Hoosier customers 24/7/365. The bipartisan passage of HEA 1007 addresses economic development, as well, by creating a 20% tax credit for the manufacturing of SMRs in Indiana. This aligns with the governor's vision to be a leader in nuclear development and ensures Indiana stays competitive in attracting a supply chain and developing a workforce needed to meet long-term energy needs. Additionally, it accelerates regulatory review of generation and infrastructure projects needed to serve large customers, such as data centers and semiconductor manufacturers. It also includes strong protections for existing and future customers. This is a win-win as it ensures large customers pay their fair share while making sure the energy industry can meet its obligation to serve at the speed of business. CONTACT US The General Assembly also focused on reliability of the electric grid and bringing new generation online. For example, it now requires regulatory review of generation retirements to ensure there is adequate capacity going forward. Another example is SEA 424, which removes initial barriers to the development of SMRs by addressing the upfront costs associated with research and planning. The law allows utilities to charge customers in real time as costs are incurred, as opposed to all at once after the fact, which saves customers money. This is similar to how costs are already recovered during the construction process with ongoing regulatory review. The passage of SEA 422 requires the study of advanced transmission technology by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the consideration of it in planning by electric utilities. This is beneficial for Hoosiers because advanced transmission technologies have the potential to improve efficiency and boost capacity in certain applications thereby saving customers money. Recognizing the importance and benefits of natural gas, policymakers added it to the list of energy types that qualify as a clean energy resource in SEA 178 for the purpose of energy incentives. Natural gas has half the emissions as coal and is a cleaner burning fuel with high efficiency and affordable pricing. The General Assembly also took up the topic of siting for energy generation projects through several hearings in the Senate and House this year. In the end, important steps were enacted on siting through SEA 425, which codified an energy utility's ability to site traditional baseload generation on former and existing generation sites over 80 MW or former mining sites without usurping other local, state, and federal permits and laws. This is very similar to a local ordinance enacted in Spencer County in 2024 related to a current generation facility and the potential for SMR development in the future. Given infrastructure is already located on these generation sites, they are ideal locations for future investment, which means continued revenue for communities in which they are located. Lawmakers also capped local moratoriums on projects to one year with the goal of encouraging communities to set standards going forward while maintaining control over zoning and other local requirements. Energy is the foundation of Indiana's economic future. It demands recognition of the unique challenges facing each community and a vision for what we want to become as a state. As we look ahead, continued engagement between the Braun Administration, policymakers, utilities, local leaders, and the business community is essential. But with the momentum built this session, Indiana is well-positioned to lead on energy – just as we've long led on manufacturing, innovation, and economic growth. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX