HYPOCRITE IN CHIEF: Braun “Disappointed” After Appointing the Rate-Hike Crew - Millions of Hoosiers Disappointed by AES bill Increase

POed but leadership questioned

"Deeply Disappointed" Braun Points Fingers – But He's the One Who Appointed the Commission That Just Screwed Central Indiana Families!

By Hoosier Enquirer Staff

Indianapolis, IN – June 18, 2026

Hoosier families are fuming today after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) rubber-stamped yet another painful electric rate increase for AES Indiana customers – and guess what? The very governor who campaigned on crushing utility greed is acting shocked! Governor Mike Braun blasted the decision as a gut punch to affordability, tweeting: "My top priority is affordability, which is why I am deeply disappointed by the IURC's approval of another AES rate increase. Hoosiers have spent years tightening their belts... It's time for utility companies to do the same."

But here's the jaw-dropping hypocrisy, Hoosiers: Braun personally appointed the majority of these commissioners! That's right. Late last year, Braun stacked the five-member IURC with his picks – including new Chair Andy Zay and others – promising they'd finally put ratepayers first after years of skyrocketing bills. He overhauled the board, bragged about "rate-conscious" appointees, and signed flashy legislation for "performance-based" regulation to protect everyday families.

Now? Those same Braun loyalists voted 3-1 to approve a $71 million rate hike for AES Indiana, serving over 530,000 central Indiana customers. The utility originally demanded a whopping $193 million – so regulators "compromised" by only soaking you for a fraction of that blood money.

Residential customers using 1,000 kWh a month will see phased increases of less than $5 per phase starting this July and again in January 2027 – a sneaky 3.7% overall jump. Sounds small until your AC is blasting this summer and every extra dollar hurts!

Consumer watchdogs are livid. The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor called elements of it an "outrage," while groups like CAC Indiana slammed it for sticking residential ratepayers with the brunt while big players (hello, data centers gobbling up power) get a pass.

Braun's Big Talk vs. Reality Braun rode into office blasting utilities for "excessive" profits and vowed to make investors "bear more of the cost." He appointed a tough ratepayer advocate and pushed new laws. Yet under his watch, AES gets another bite at the apple – even as electricity demand explodes from tech giants and data centers that Braun's policies have welcomed with open arms.

Critics are asking the million-dollar question: If the governor appoints the board, oversees the executive branch, and can remove commissioners "for cause," why is he "disappointed" instead of furious at his own team?

One angry Hoosier summed it up on social media: "Braun appoints the fox to guard the henhouse, then acts surprised when the chickens get eaten!"Will Braun fire his appointees? Demand they reverse this? Or is this just more political theater while your bills climb? Hoosiers deserve answers – not excuses. Stay tuned as the Hoosier Enquirer keeps holding the powerful accountable. Your wallet is on the line!