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? 

Crouch: Reliable energy is a key to future economic growth. As future demand rises, we need to preserve our base generation and keep pace with future energy demands from energy intensive businesses like microchip manufacturers, data centers, and electric battery plants. The Indiana General Assembly has enacted in state law the principles of affordability, reliability, resilience, stability, and sustainability. Indiana’s next regulatory and policy focus must concentrate on maintaining our fleet of coal generation, continuing to rely on a diverse portfolio of energy generation sources, and embracing an all-of-the-above energy approach to build more capacity.

Under my administration, we will consider all regulatory measures available at the IURC to ensure that coal remains a significant part of our thermal energy generation by Indiana’s utilities and is part of Indiana’s portfolio for the long-term. Indiana is rich with this natural resource, it can help us remain energy independent. All the foregoing factors ensure that Indiana can immunize itself from energy disruptions as future demand rises. It is also critically important that Indiana not be solely reliant on gas generation since it is a commodity, and its price has the potential to spike in the future, hurting affordability.  Further, relying on just one source of generation is not prudent if we hope to have a resilient and stable energy portfolio that can sustain failure from one source.

That is why I would support a moratorium on retiring coal generating power plants in Indiana until such time as we are certain that we have addressed the reliability and resiliency challenges of the future.

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?

Crouch: Our state’s energy generators are in the process of energy transitions. In addition, to enacting a moratorium discussed above, as governor, I am committed to working with all energy sources and energy generators to ensure that our government actions are aimed at providing incentive and regulation to ensure an all-of-the-above strategy. I will work with our legislators to ensure that they are making the best decisions to balance reliability with affordability.

Recently, one Indiana utility filed a rate case with the IURC, and I was vocal about the need to protect ratepayers from increased cost. We will also keep energy affordable for our existing citizens and businesses by adding capacity and reinvestment into existing energy infrastructure in our state. Regulated utilities have special economics conferred by state statute, and with those privileges come the responsibility to also ensure the welfare of consumers. I will always favor citizens over regulated monopolies and use the power of my office to appropriately balance energy needs with costs.

As a state representative, I sponsored a significant energy bill that saved Hoosier ratepayers more than $1 billion. I have the experience in the energy space to make decisive decisions to keep our lights on at a reasonable cost.

Generally, we need to be focused on controlling actions that increase costs to energy consumers and controlling the rate of growth.  We will also look to increasing supply and maintaining our baseload.

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?

Crouch: As a former local elected official from Evansville, a state representative, and current Lt. Governor, I have witnessed the legislative debates on coal generating utility plants, and I have the experience to make decisive decisions to keep our lights on. Now that we have five energy principles in state law, Indiana needs to take action to create a resilient, innovative grid, that supports affordable, energy creating jobs and keeping Hoosiers safe, comfortable, and productive for the next generation.

Indiana needs to examine, with industry, innovative ways for coal to remain competitive and adapt in the current situation. Indiana has the research expertise at academic institutions, the R&D capacity from world class coal operators, and the natural resources to become a center of excellence to find innovative ways for coal to be well utilized into the future.

Moreover, we need to reinvest in existing coal generation infrastructure to meet future energy needs. Significant investment for Indiana’s future is underway, and we will make sure that coal is a part of the solution. The IURC needs to approve new generation facilities, and we need to ensure there is an equally rigorous statutory and regulatory framework for eliminating a coal generating facility.

Indiana needs to develop a strategic energy plan that meets the needs of the future and ensures we have generation to address those needs before we retire existing generation. I know how to work with our House and Senate Utilities Committee Chairs as well as with other stakeholders to develop and execute a comprehensive energy plan for Indiana.

I will also serve as a dependable partner with our congressional delegation and other conservative governors to make the US more energy independent relying more on ample coal reserves and cancel ridiculous environmental restraints at the EPA and misguided ESG policies.

And, again, I would support a moratorium on retiring coal generating power plants in Indiana until such time as we are certain that we have addressed the reliability and resiliency challenges of the future.