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The five largest electrical utilities in Indiana have been called to a public inquiry on Tuesday, March 24, in Indianapolis for “an open dialogue on rates and affordability.” It will take place from 9:45 am to 4:00 pm in Room 222 of the PNC Center, 101 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis. The meeting is open to the public to observe and will be livestreamed on the commission’s website at www.in.gov/iurc/watch-the-iurc-live.
The five utilities include AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, Indiana Michigan Power Company and Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
The inquiry will include time for presentations by the utilities and for questions and answers. The IURC wants to hear from the utilities about “steps that can be taken in the short term to increase bill transparency and address rising energy costs.”
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Photo: IURC Commissioner Andy Zay.
"Balance Feels Out of Whack”
The role of the IURC is to balance the interests of ratepayers (consumers) and utilities, especially when “that balance feels out of whack for Hoosiers,” said Commissioner Zay. The commission must ensure utilities are available “at just and reasonable rates.”
Commissioner Zay added, “We want to let Hoosiers know we are listening… we are here to serve Hoosiers.” He mentioned transparency, environmental concerns and affordability, but did not define the terms. He plans to travel around Indiana and meet with people locally. His schedule has not yet been announced.
The IURC does not set energy policy; they implement what the legislators pass. Nevertheless, Commissioner Zay wants to lead “the best, most responsive commission in the United States.”
“Levelized Billing”
In response to a question about pending House Bill 1002, Commissioner Zay talked about “levelized billing.” He wants this billing plan broadly offered to people to aid in “a more stable household budget.”
Who is the IURC?
According to the IURC’s website, “The IURC is comprised of five commissioners and a professional staff of approximately 75, including accountants, economists, engineers, and attorneys.” They regulate 600+ providers of energy, water, wastewater, pipelines and telecommunications. They have a consumer affairs division to hear complaints from people about their utility provider.
Commission Turnover
Three commissioners who served for years or decades resigned or retired in the last few months. In January 2026, Governor Mike Braun appointed Andy Zay, Bob Deig and Anthony Swinger. Commissioner Zay is a businessman and former politician; Commissioner Deig has utility-related as well as political experience; and Commissioner Swinger has regulatory experience. The two continuing commissioners are both attorneys with regulatory experience: David Veleta (appointed in 2022), David Ziegner (appointed in 1990).
Making Headlines
Besides the reporters in the room, 661 people watched the press conference online. Energy usage by data centers was not mentioned. However, during his final meeting in January 2026, outgoing IURC Chairperson Jim Huston commented, “We don't make the headlines until it gets to ratepaying and data centers.” So, the IURC is now making headlines.
Reported by Sara Duffy
More Utility News For You
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is requesting full denial of Duke Energy’s $300 million “Demand Side Management Plan.” OUCC routinely testifies before the IURC regarding rate increases. Click to read more about a complex case before the IURC.
Crossroad Utilities of Dearborn County is seeking a rate increase that, if approved, would raise a monthly residential sewer bill from $39.86 to $109.28. A public field hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 5:45 pm at the Lawrenceburg Public Library District - Eleanor Ewbank Meeting Room (120 Mary Street). Consumer comments are due March 3, 2026. Click to read more.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Water Stakeholder Input Workshop
by
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
On February 23, 2026, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted a workshop at Clifty Falls State Park. Led by Ryan Miller, Deputy Director of the DNR, this event was the second in a series of six statewide workshops designed to gather input from water utility leaders, local government officials, and other stakeholders to shape the future of Indiana's water management.
The workshop series is a direct response to Governor Mike Braun’s Executive Order 25-63, which mandates a comprehensive statewide water inventory and management plan. These sessions are being funded by The Nature Conservancy, highlighting a public-private commitment to sustainable resource planning.
Core Objectives of the Statewide Plan
The workshop centered on four primary pillars dictated by the executive order:
- Inventory & Forecasting: Establishing a clear baseline of current water usage and resource availability for both surface and groundwater. This data will be used to forecast the state’s future water needs, serving as the "next step" following recent technical assessments.
- Regional Planning Framework: Designing boundaries for new planning districts and establishing regional water utility committees. These committees will be responsible for setting supply priorities and identifying local vulnerabilities to mitigate future shortages.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Expanding the state’s water resource monitoring network. Discussions included determining optimal locations for new sensors, with the Indiana Silver Jackets (an interagency hazard mitigation team) cited as a model for collaborative monitoring.
- Centralized Data Platform: Creating a unified online "hub" for water data. This platform will consolidate multiple information sources to provide a single, reliable point of reference for policy decisions and resource management.
Key Takeaways and Future Milestones
- Reports from the ongoing water study for Central Indiana are expected to be released later this summer.
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A portion of the discussion focused on the "consumptive use" of water by data centers. Stakeholders noted that as technology evolves, the water demand for these facilities changes, necessitating flexible and adaptive zoning and utility planning.
- Next Steps: The feedback gathered at Clifty Falls will be integrated into a formal report to the Governor, intended to ensure Indiana's water security for the next 50 years.
While the DNR workshops focus on the statewide regulatory framework, the foundational data for our region is already being built through the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA). As Indiana prepares for five decades of projected economic and population growth, the IFA is conducting a "deep dive" into the state’s most vital resource through the Ohio River and Southeast Indiana Regional Water Study.
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This study is currently analyzing the long-term viability of water supplies across a 22-county stretch, including Franklin County. Rather than simply reacting to current demands, the IFA is looking toward the year 2076 by asking two critical questions:
- How much water do we truly have today?
- Will it be enough to sustain the next 50 years of growth?
By conducting a formal "gap analysis," state planners will be able to pinpoint exactly where new infrastructure is required or where conservation efforts must be intensified. This data is essential for local leaders currently grappling with the water demands of new industries, such as the shifting consumptive needs of modern data centers.
The final scientific report, expected in Fall 2026, will provide the empirical foundation for the regional water utility committees discussed at the Clifty Falls workshop, ensuring that local zoning and utility planning are backed by rigorous data.
Submitted by David Mannix
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Progress on Low Water Crossings
County Council January 27, 2026
- Councilmember Brian Patterson reported the progress made on replacing dangerous low water crossings.
- Council approved paying a part time health department nurse at the higher full time hourly rate of $30.48.
Funding to Fix Low Water Crossings
Low water crossings are slabs of concrete that carry a county road through a creek bed. In times of low water, they are not a problem. When the creek is flooding, the road is impassable. The county has 16 remaining low water crossings.
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File photo of flooded low water crossing that has now been replaced.
Councilmember Brian Patterson read a statement about the need for annual funding for replacing low water crossings. He started by reminding everyone that people have died tragically when driving over a low water crossing during flooding. In past years, $500,000 had been budgeted annually for these repairs. Councilmember Patterson wants this funding to continue as a “lifesaving” priority and not to be diverted elsewhere. Then he read a list of 12 LWCs that had already been replaced with structures at a cost of $1.5 million. Click to read the list. The next LWC’s to be repaired are Webb Road #2, with a price tag of $380,000 and Lower Jim Run Road at $38,000.
Councilmembers thanked Highway Department Supervisor Justin Ball.
File photo below of a low water crossing with a warning sign.
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Part Time Nurse Hired
County council agreed to the request from County Health Board Member Bev Metze who asked permission to hire a registered nurse at the higher full-time rate of $30.48 per hour rather than the part time rate of only $19.90. Ms. Metze is herself a semi-retired nurse practitioner and she presented data: Union County pays its nurses a rate of $25 to $35 per hour. The state average is $34 per hour.
When questioned, Health Department Manager Brittani Schwab replied that the department has available state funding for this job. The part time nurse who they want to hire is a former employee who is already trained. She will fill in to cover vacations and absences for the two current nurses.
Support for Metamora Grant Application
County council signed a letter of support for a grant application for a $60,000 stormwater and wastewater engineering project in Metamora. If approved, the county’s matching share of $7,000 would be paid by the Franklin County Economic Development Commission from local income tax money.
“Pull Out of the Project” as Too Costly
Last month, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency Director Amy Lindsey presented options to county council for a possible grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant was intended to repair roads damaged last year by a “monster storm.” This storm wreaked havoc on several county roads, but only two roads (Fraser and Simon) qualified for federal assistance.
This month Ms. Lindsey and Highway Supervisor Ball withdrew the grant proposal. This decision was based on advice from County Commissioner Jeff Koch, who said the county should “pull out of the project.” Further work would be too costly to fix small sections in which there is only one house. Both roads are “open and passable now,” said Mr. Ball.
Financial Consultant’s Bill
Council paid $12,971 to Reedy Financial Group.
The next county council meeting will be March 31, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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ILFC thanks the Franklin County Community Foundation
Book Label Sponsor for February
A big thank‑you to the Franklin County Community Foundation (FCCF) for serving as the Imagination Library of Franklin County’s Book Label Sponsor for February.
Each month, children in Franklin County enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—from birth through age five—receive a high‑quality, age‑appropriate book delivered directly to their mailbox at no cost to their family. This month a total of 683 children enrolled in ILFC were mailed books for February.
Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director of FCCF, shared, “The Franklin County Community Foundation knows the importance of getting books into the hands of children. We are proud to support the Imagination Library of Franklin County in their book label sponsorship program.”
ILFC extends sincere appreciation to FCCF for helping us continue to support early literacy in Franklin County—one book at a time.
Organizations or businesses interested in sponsoring a month of book labels are invited to contact ILFC at imaginationlibrary@live.com or contact any of our nine Board members listed on the ILFC Website at imaginationlibraryfcin.com.
Submitted by Linda Rosenberger
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RedLife Food Pantry
Sets New Hours
Starting in March 2026, RedLife Food Pantry will be open on different days. We will be open the first and third Thursdays from 4 pm – 6 pm and the fourth Saturday from 10 am – 12 noon.
Submitted by Judy Drake
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Disney Party at Libraries
Dress up as your favorite Disney character, read a few books, and get your free kids’ ticket to Disney on Ice at the library. Join us at Laurel Library on March 3 at 5 p.m. and March 5 at Brookville Library at 5 p.m. for a Disney party featuring a light costume parade, some crafts, and a snack.
We will also have free kids’ tickets to Disney on Ice at the Heritage Bank Center available. Participants must read five books and get their ticket stamped to receive a kids Disney on Ice ticket that is free with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket at the box office.
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy are rocking the DJ table, remixing favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds from Wish, Frozen 2, The Little Mermaid, Moana, and The Lion King. Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance skates its way into Heritage Bank Center from April 2-4.
If you can’t make it to the party, but still want to read and get a ticket, they will be available while supplies last at the circulation desks.
Submitted by Makenna Mays
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Highlights of FFA News
Franklin County High School agriscience teacher and FFA advisor Teri Hornberger was honored as a 2026 ISTAR teacher of the year. She was nominated by student Jenna Crawford. See photo.
Ms. Hornberger was also nominated for FFA’s 2026 Indiana Golden Owl Award, which “recognizes agricultural educators across Indiana for their tremendous contributions to help the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
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Four Tractors
In other news, four tractors arrived during light snow last Sunday for FFA’s Bring Your Tractor to School in celebration of FFA week at Franklin County High School. Tractors included one John Deere, two Fendts, and one New Holland. Activities were scheduled at the high school and middle school for the week.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Arts & Culture Regional Planning Meeting
Franklin County Community Foundation and Ripley County Community Foundation would like to start a conversation with Southeast Indiana residents about potential regional projects for a Lilly Arts & Culture grant. We have some ideas on a Music Corridor concept that we will present at the meeting. This includes creating a “music trail” through the region by building new venues or updating existing ones. Please bring your ideas in any of these areas or other areas as well. If you would like to contribute to this conversation, feel free to come. Please RSVP to Shelly Lunsford.
The meeting will be held on March 3 at 9:00 am at the Ivy Tech building in Batesville – Room 1405 – Enter the back of the building.
The Southeastern Indiana Arts & Culture Planning website is
TransformingCommunities.Art | Southeast Indiana.
From Shelly Lunsford
Franklin County Community Foundation
shelly@fccfin.org
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Improvement Mess
The Franklin County Government Center is getting new carpet and new floor tiles in phases. During February, the main conference room on the second floor and some other offices in the building, received the updated flooring.
The photo shows office equipment that was moved into a rear hallway to allow room for the installers to work. The temporary mess was necessary to make improvements.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Join the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at our March 4th Meet & Greet for a learning session on Social Media Branding & Marketing at 5 pm at the Metamora Community Building in Metamora, IN. We hope to see you there.
For more information or to register: https://business.fcchamber.net/ap/Events/Register/g4FYVgGTzCyCo
Submitted by
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
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Friday Fish Fry’s
Brookville VFW, 26 West 8th Street, Brookville, IN 47012, 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
Brookville K of C Fish Fry, 333 Main Street, 4:30-7 p.m. March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27 and April 3.
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Beat the Winter Blues
The Rockdale Community Church offers a remedy for wintertime isolation: Game nights and free, Sunday lunches.
Are you a card player? Join us for a competitive game of Euchre on Saturday, March 7, at 5:00 pm. Then, you’ll find the country-cooks of Rockdale serving up a plentiful, community luncheon called “The Ultimate Pitch-In Dinner” on Sunday, March 29, at 12:30 pm. Come hungry and be our guest for lunch.
Rockdale Community Church is located in West Harrison, Indiana, on Johnson Fork Road—right off of Highway 52 & the Harrison, Ohio exit to Interstate 74. Don’t be a stranger.
Submitted by Pastor Adrienne Greene
| | Click ad above for more information. | | |
Batesville Area Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Join the Batesville Area Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, March 10. Enjoy a fun-filled evening as we “Celebrate a Night Full of Stars" in our community.
Tickets are available now for $45 per person or $350 per table of 8 by calling the Batesville Area Chamber at 812-934-3101 or emailing chamber@batesvillein.com to reserve your seats now. The deadline is Friday, February 27, to reserve your table. Register at https://pci.jotform.com form/260074351749964
From Facebook
| | RSVP by Thursday, March 5 | | |
Brookville Volunteer Fire Department Breakfast
March 8, 2026
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Chicken Dinner
St. Peter’s Ladies Sodality will hold a Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The cost of a dinner will be $15. 1207 East Road, St. Peters (Brookville) - School Building – Not gym. For more information, please call 812-623-2878 or 812-623-4084.
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Metamora Opry Barn
2026 Bluegrass Series begins March 21, 6 PM with Whitewater Valley Boys from right here in Southeast Indiana. Food available from The Blue Umbrella Bistro & Bakery. Reservations available on our website.
Twangtown Paramours - Friday, March 27, 6 PM
2026 Highlights
Bluegrass Series: March to November on the 3rd Saturday
Hoosier Voices: Songwriters in the Round - 3 shows planned
Mandolin Gathering: April 25, finalizing instructors
Music Festival: Labor Day Weekend, September 5-6
Plus, visiting artists Mark Dvorak, Andy Cohen, and more.
Acoustic Final Fridays will begin April 24, 6 PM
Grist Mill Jams: first Sundays from 1 to 3 PM, April to Sept
Bluegrass Season Pass
Reserve your table for all nine shows in the Bluegrass Series.
$200 for a table for two. $400 for a table for four.
Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts
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You must register by March 30 and participate in all three sessions to receive a t-shirt.
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Fish Fry Prices: $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
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From Franklin County Community Schools
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The Franklin County Observer is a free news service. At the Observer, we focus our coverage on events and meetings in Franklin County.
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