Indiana is taking steps to manage the energy costs associated with AI technology, as evidenced by two recent bills signed by Gov. Mike Braun. One bill mandates that large energy users, particularly AI data centers, must cover 80% of new energy costs for faster regulatory approvals. The second allows utilities to pass the costs of exploring new power sources to consumers. Critics warn this will raise energy bills for residents, while supporters argue it ensures a future with cleaner energy options through small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
Consumer advocates said the two bills will ultimately hike energy bills for everyday Hoosiers and put them on the hook for nuclear projects that may never get up and running.
Republican Rep. Ed Soliday, who co-sponsored the bills, argued the bills contain sufficient safeguards for consumers and that SMRs are the future of clean and affordable energy as demand from data centers grows.
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