The Impact on Indiana
Hoosiers will be hit especially hard by federal carbon legislation since 94% of our electricity is generated from coal. Current cap and trade proposals would raise Indiana electric bills anywhere from $30 to $70 a month depending on your electricity usage, with the typical consumer seeing an average increase of $50. We agree that something needs to be done to reduce the effects of carbon, but we believe it has to be approached in a way that is fair and affordable for those who consume, and pay for, electricity.
Despite efforts to use energy more efficiently, Hoosiers are consuming more electricity than ever before, thanks to a growing assortment of electronics that require power or at the very least, an occasional recharge. At the same time, energy prices have been on the rise while the economy has been on a decline. And now we’re facing legislative measures that will target a by-product of our most affordable fuel source - coal. We can’t deny that coal emits carbon dioxide, which is considered to be one of the greatest greenhouse gas concerns in the current discussion on climate change. However, in these tough economic times, we simply can’t afford to dismiss it as a fuel source for generating electricity.
Current legislative proposals are designed to fulfill the promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, states that rely more heavily on coal-generated power plants will suffer the greatest penalties.
The Indiana Partnership for Fair and Affordable Energy is committed to working with Congress to find a solution that addresses the carbon concern without placing an unfair burden on Hoosier ratepayers.
