Braun names commissioner for Indiana utility-centered office

INDIANAPOLIS — The office of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced that he has selected the new commissioner for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC).

According to a news release from Braun’s office, Abby Gray will serve as the commissioner for the Indiana OUCC, someone who Braun said will serve as the advocate for Indiana residents.

Last month, Indiana was labeled as being under a “crisis of affordability” in regard to utility rates by the Citizens Action Coalition, a consumer advocacy organization. As a whole, Indiana has seen an average 17.5% increase in utility bill costs.

“Hoosiers have been burdened with utility rate increase after increase,” Braun said in the release. “We can’t take it anymore.”

The release said that Braun has directed the Indiana OUCC to evaluate utilities’ profits and “find cost-saving measures,” including having the company’s investors bear “more of the costs of doing business rather than ratepayers.”

“I have dedicated my career to public service and it’s the honor of a lifetime to continue to serve Indiana ratepayers in this new role,” Gray said in the release. “I am deeply humbled and appreciative of Governor Braun’s confidence in me and look forward to advocating for Indiana utility consumers.”