Critics Say New Energy Efficiency Effort 'Worse Than Doing Nothing'

“Worse than doing nothing” – that’s how critics describe Indiana’s new energy efficiency effort crafted by Gov. Mike Pence and the General Assembly.  But, the governor insists the program will keep more money in Hoosiers’ pockets.

Environmental and consumer advocacy groups say the new energy efficiency program is going to drive up costs for residential consumers.  Under the approved legislation, each utility company must develop its own energy efficiency program, and they can raise rates to cover any revenue lost because of decreased energy usage. 

“Well, I just think energy efficiency lowers the cost of energy for every Hoosier,” Pence said.

When pressed on the issue of utility companies recovering lost revenue by raising rates – which has the potential to keep costs the same for consumers, even as they use less energy – Pence stuck to his talking points.

“I really do believe, in energy policy, that we ought to take advantage of all the resources that we have," Pence said. "We ought to develop all the energy resources that we have.  But that energy efficiency, conservation, alternative sources of energy all have to be a part of the equation.”

Pence administration officials admit utility bills will go up, no matter what; they argue energy efficiency will keep costs from rising as high as they otherwise would.  Any rate increases would still have to be approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.