Southern Indiana Finally Gains a Voice on the State Utility Commission

Southern Indiana Finally Gets A Voice On The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission

In a Facebook post this morning, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Taylor announced that Southern Indiana will finally have representation on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Bob Deig Earns One Of Three Open Seats

Former Vanderburgh County Council member Bob Deig was one of ten candidates up for three vacant seats. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission oversees more than 600 utilities across the state and its main task is to ensure they provide safe and reliable service at fair and reasonable rates. The agency does not advocate for the public or for utilities, but it does act in the public’s best interest.

Why This Matters For Southern Indiana

With soaring electricity prices in Indiana, especially in the southern part of the state, many residents have been frustrated about the lack of local representation in the agency.

Deig Shares His Vision

In an article from Eyewitness News, Bob said, “I think it’s an amazing time right now to be able to shape the energy future here in Indiana. There is so much talk. There’s wind or solar of course, coal, natural gas. There are so many options to go to right now. There’s a tremendous amount of demand growth as well. In Indiana, they say over the next ten years it could possibly go up 40 percent, the demand rate. So we have to look at all options out there and we have to look at what is affordable for people.”

Deig’s Political Experience

According to the City County Observer, Deig has served as President of the Posey County Council, President of the Posey County Commissioners, and State Senator for District 49 covering the west and south sides of Vanderburgh County, along with Posey and Gibson Counties.

Governor Braun Reacts To The New Appointments

Governor Mike Braun said, “Hoosiers deserve reliable and affordable utilities and have been burdened by excessive and unnecessary utility rate increases for too long. 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.”

Who Else Was Appointed

Deig joins Andy Zay of Huntington County who will chair the IURC and Anthony Swinger of Marion County. The commissioners will begin work on January 12, 2026.