Indianapolis, December 13, 2025
Governor Mike Braun has announced the appointment of three new members to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to address the rising utility costs faced by Hoosiers. The new appointees, including State Senator Andy Zay and former State Senator Bob Deig, aim to foster a fair regulatory environment while ensuring affordable utility rates for families and businesses in Indiana. With the appointments signaling a commitment to consumer advocacy, there is hope for improved energy policies and economic growth in the state.
Indiana’s Energy Future: New Appointments to the IURC
Governor Mike Braun aims to tackle rising utility costs with key leadership changes.
Indianapolis, Indiana – In a decisive move to enhance the state’s energy landscape, Governor Mike Braun has appointed three new members to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). These appointments, featuring experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds, come at a crucial time when Hoosiers face rising utility costs. This strategic intervention seeks to create a more efficient regulatory environment that can foster economic growth while ensuring that utility rates remain affordable for families and businesses across Indiana.
The appointments include State Senator Andy Zay, former State Senator Bob Deig, and Anthony Swinger, who serves as the Executive Director of Technical Operations at the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). Each appointee brings a unique perspective to the commission, and Governor Braun underscores the necessity for exceptional utilities without burdening citizens with excessive prices, thus promoting an environment conducive to small business resilience and entrepreneurial innovation.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Braun expressed a clear commitment to serving the interests of Hoosiers by ensuring that utility services are both reliable and financially accessible. He emphasizes the need for leaders who will advocate for fair utility practices and work diligently to protect ratepayers from unnecessary rate increases. This focus on affordability is particularly vital for the economic wellbeing of Indiana, where utility costs significantly affect local businesses and households.
Meet the New Commissioners
Andy Zay
Andy Zay, representing Huntington County, has been a Republican State Senator for District 17 since 2016 and has served on the Senate Utilities Committee. His new role as chair of the IURC will provide him the opportunity to influence policies that directly impact utility rates and services for Hoosiers. Zay’s transition to this role will create a vacancy in the Senate, which will be filled by a local caucus ensuring representation continues in legislative matters.
Bob Deig
Bob Deig, who served as a Democratic State Senator for District 49 from 2006 to 2010, brings a wealth of experience in protecting consumers from rising utility costs. His previous involvement with the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee positions him well to advocate for the balance between utility viability and public interest, thereby fostering a competitive environment for businesses in Indiana.
Anthony Swinger
With over 25 years at the OUCC, Anthony Swinger has been a pivotal figure in consumer advocacy towards fair utility practices. His expertise in ratemaking and regulatory operations will be invaluable as the commission navigates the complexities of implementing policies that ensure utilities are both accessible and economically feasible for all Indiana residents.
The Role of the IURC
The IURC functions as a regulatory body ensuring that utilities maintain safe and reliable service while adhering to fair pricing. Positioned as an impartial referee, this commission plays a critical role in shaping the energy landscape through its decisions, which can often draw scrutiny from various stakeholders, including consumer advocates and policymakers alike. Its commitment to maintaining balance between utility interests and consumer protections is essential to fostering an environment that supports entrepreneurial growth.
Implications of the Appointments
The recent appointments not only fill the void left by departed commissioners but also signal a proactive approach to addressing the pressing issue of rising utility bills. By integrating leaders with a strong commitment to both consumer interests and business viability, the Governor aims to steer Indiana’s energy policy in a direction that promotes economic growth while reducing regulatory barriers that might hinder small-business innovation.
Conclusion
Governor Mike Braun’s strategic appointments to the IURC come at a crucial juncture in Indiana’s economic journey, focusing on balancing reliability, affordability, and effective regulation of utility services. As these commissioners take their seats beginning January 12, 2026, the hope is that their combined expertise will contribute positively to keeping utility rates in check, benefiting both families and local businesses. It is vital for the community to remain engaged and supportive of these developments as Indiana strives for economic resilience and growth in the face of challenging utility costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the new appointees to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission?
The new appointees are State Senator Andy Zay, former State Senator Bob Deig, and Anthony Swinger, Executive Director of Technical Operations at the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC).
When will the new commissioners begin their terms?
The new commissioners will begin their terms on January 12, 2026.
What is the role of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission?
The IURC is responsible for ensuring that utilities provide safe, reliable service at just and reasonable rates. The commission serves as an impartial arbiter, advocating neither for the public nor the utilities.
Why did Governor Braun appoint these individuals to the IURC?
Governor Braun appointed these individuals to ensure that Indiana has exceptional utilities without burdening families and businesses with excessive prices, reflecting his commitment to making energy affordable for Hoosiers.
What will happen to Senator Andy Zay’s Senate seat?
Senator Zay’s appointment to the IURC creates a vacancy in the Senate. A caucus of precinct committeemen from his district will select a successor to complete his term, which ends in November 2028.
Key Features of the Appointments
| Commissioner | Background | Role | Term Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Zay | Republican State Senator for District 17 since 2016; member of Senate Utilities Committee | Chair of the IURC | January 12, 2026 |
| Bob Deig | Former Democratic State Senator for District 49 (2006-2010); member of Senate Utilities and Technology Committee | Commissioner | January 12, 2026 |
| Anthony Swinger | Executive Director of Technical Operations at the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC); over 25 years of experience with the OUCC | Commissioner | January 12, 2026 |
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