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?
Braun: I have been clear in my Freedom and Opportunity Agenda that Indiana should embrace an energy policy that unleashes the prosperity of our state’s abundant natural resources. With the economic growth described above and projected into the future the need for reliable base load energy will increase. Renewable energy sources that are being added to the grid have not proven to have the consistent production necessary that they can both replace coal fired plants being shut down and add the energy necessary for Indiana to thrive economically.
As the terms of commissioners at the IURC expire or seats become open, I will ensure that my appointments at the commission hold my views on the future of energy in Indiana. I will prioritize Hoosiers having affordable and reliable power.
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?
Braun: Keeping coal base load energy on the grid is not only reliable but also the most affordable for consumers.
The state needs a comprehensive energy strategy, which has been sorely lacking, that spans a number of agencies. The state’s energy strategy needs to be led by the Governor with council from agency heads at IDEM, DNR, IEDC, IFA, and any other state agency heads that would impact the financing, locating, permitting, and regulatory efforts of the energy policy that will produce affordable and reliable energy for both residential consumers and existing and new industrial users.
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?
Braun: Replacing coal plants on a 1:1 basis with natural gas or other sources is not enough. We need net addition to the grid over a long period of time, not a 1:1 transition from coal to other sources. Being additive to the grid while turning off coal plants is nearly, if not completely, impossible.
