Gov. Mike Braun announced Friday the appointment of three new members to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, saying the selections reflect his administration’s focus on utility affordability and protecting ratepayers from excessive costs.
The appointees are State Sen. Andy Zay of Huntington County, who will serve as chair; Anthony Swinger of Marion County; and former State Sen. Bob Deig of Vanderburgh County. All three commissioners are set to begin their terms on Jan. 12, 2026.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is the state agency responsible for regulating public utilities and ensuring that electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications services are provided safely, reliably, and at just and reasonable rates.
In a statement, Braun said Hoosiers have faced rising utility bills for too long and emphasized that the new commissioners will focus on affordability while maintaining service reliability.
“Hoosiers deserve reliable and affordable utilities and have been burdened by excessive and unnecessary utility rate increases for too long,” Braun said. “I am appointing these three Hoosier leaders to serve on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to ensure that Indiana has exceptional utilities without saddling families and businesses with excessive prices.”
Zay, who represents Senate District 17, brings legislative experience and a business background to the commission. Braun’s office said Zay’s policy expertise and entrepreneurial approach will help guide the commission’s work as it weighs complex regulatory and rate cases.
Swinger currently serves as executive director of technical operations for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the state agency tasked with representing ratepayers in IURC proceedings. According to the governor’s office, Swinger has extensive experience in ratemaking, regulatory processes, and consumer advocacy.
Deig previously represented Senate District 49 and served on the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee. Braun’s office said Deig’s experience in utility policy and his focus on cost control will help protect consumers from unnecessary rate increases.
The appointments come as utilities across Indiana seek approval for infrastructure upgrades and cost recovery amid rising construction, fuel, and compliance expenses. Decisions by the IURC can have a significant impact on monthly utility bills for households and operating costs for businesses statewide.
