Indiana’s municipalities and rural electric cooperatives are getting ready to do battle over a bill that would alter the state’s utility landscape.
SB 309 would prohibit a municipality that owns a utility from providing service to newly annexed territories if those areas already had electrical service. The rural electric cooperatives say the bill is needed to stop municipalities from cherry picking their larger customers. Municipalities argue the legislation will only benefit existing utilities at the expense of their customers.
Indy Politics spoke to both sides of the issue. You can hear their comments below.
Speaking for the legislation were Scott Bowers of the Indiana Electric Cooperatives, Mark Massell of the Indiana Energy Association and Donnis Mizelle of the Hendricks Power Cooperative.
Speaking against SB 309 was Mike Fruth, Utility Director for the City of Greenfield.
Leon-Tailored Audio SB 309 Suppoters
Leon-Tailored Audio: SB 309 Opponents
The bill will be heard in the Senate Committee on Utilities.
