Question #1
Given the recent report by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) about the challenges in ensuring a reliable electricity supply, particularly with Indiana’s economic boom and the high energy demands of new developments like microchip manufacturing plants, AI, crypto mining, and data centers, what regulatory or legislative changes would you propose as Governor to tackle the rapid increase in energy demand and the looming energy crisis in Indiana?
Doden: Our next governor has a duty to ensure Hoosiers have access to cheap, on-demand energy. Our state is using more energy than we produce and the imbalance only continues to increase, while the federal government coerces states nationwide into shutting down local power plants. As governor, I will maintain and protect Indiana’s current energy resources while working to bring online new, affordable sources. I am committed to immediate action to ensure supply continues to meet and exceed energy demand in our state. We will also encourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure while also ensuring reliability, which includes incentivizing private sector investment in renewables and supporting research in clean energy technologies.
Question #2
In a recent survey, 74% of Hoosiers were concerned about energy affordability. Indiana has seen a shift from having the lowest utility costs to the 32nd highest. What actions do you propose to make Indiana’s energy costs low again?
Doden: When we use more energy than we produce, we are forced to buy power from other states or off the national grid, which can be up to seven times more expensive than producing energy here at home. The issue is exacerbated by the federal policies forcing coal plants offline nationwide. If federal policies continue unchecked, energy prices will soar, and we’ll become dependent on states transitioning solely to renewables. This is why we will use our energy production plan to prioritize a diverse energy portfolio, energy efficiency, and market-driven solutions. We will ensure Hoosiers have reliable and affordable energy now and in the future.
Question #3
In the same recent survey of Hoosiers, 64% agreed that Indiana should prioritize utilizing plentiful local energy resources, such as coal, to maintain affordable energy prices and ensure a reliable energy supply. Yet Indiana is leading the nation in coal plant retirements, with 12 scheduled in the next few years. How can we slow down the retirement of reliable, fossil-fuel plants?
Doden: On day one I will sign an executive order to keep our coal plants open and generating power until we have a functional and reliable replacement. If federal policies continue unchecked, energy prices will soar, and we’ll become dependent on states transitioning solely to renewables. We will be for all sources of energy that are economically reasonable, including coal and natural gas. Our approach isn’t about choosing one energy source over another; it’s about embracing all options. We’ll encourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure while also ensuring reliability. This includes incentivizing private sector investment in renewables and supporting research in clean energy technologies. As governor, I pledge to keep costs low and the lights on for Indiana homeowners and businesses
