Indiana Launches Inquiry into NIPSCO Utility Rates, Impacting Gary Residents

Regulators aim to address affordability concerns as electric bills rise across the state.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Indiana utility regulators have launched a statewide affordability inquiry into NIPSCO and other utilities, in response to growing concerns over rising electric bills that are hitting residents in Gary and across the state particularly hard. The inquiry could lead to deeper investigations and potential changes in how rates and customer protections are handled.

Why it matters

Residents in Gary, one of the state's most economically challenged cities, have been among those most impacted by the rising NIPSCO electric rates. This inquiry represents a rare move by regulators to address broader affordability issues, which consumer advocates and lawmakers from both parties have pushed for amid the strain on household budgets.

The details

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) has initiated the affordability inquiry, which will examine NIPSCO's rates and billing practices, as well as those of other major utilities across the state. The review could lead to deeper investigations and potential changes in how rates and protections for struggling customers are set and implemented. Lawmakers and consumer advocates have been pressing for this type of comprehensive review, citing the growing burden on household budgets, particularly in lower-income communities like Gary.

  • The IURC's affordability inquiry is set to begin in March 2026.

The players

IURC

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the state agency responsible for overseeing utility companies and setting rates.

NIPSCO

Northern Indiana Public Service Company, the electric and natural gas utility that serves customers in Gary and across northern Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the growing affordability crisis for utility customers, especially in our most vulnerable communities.”

— State Senator, from Gary

What’s next

The IURC will hold public hearings and gather input from customers, consumer advocates, and utility companies as part of the affordability inquiry. A final report with potential recommendations is expected later in 2026.

The takeaway

This inquiry represents a significant step by Indiana regulators to tackle the rising burden of utility costs on households, particularly in economically distressed areas like Gary. The outcome could lead to meaningful changes in how utilities set rates and provide assistance to struggling customers across the state.