Indiana – Governor Mike Braun has announced three new appointments to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, a move his office says is aimed at strengthening oversight of utility rates, service reliability, and long-term infrastructure planning across the state. The new commissioners are set to begin their terms on January 12, 2026, joining an agency that plays a central role in decisions affecting electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services for millions of Hoosiers.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, commonly known as the IURC, is responsible for balancing the financial health of utility providers with protections for consumers. Its rulings directly shape how much households and businesses pay for essential services and how utilities invest in aging systems, new technology, and reliability improvements.
Leading the new slate of appointments is State Senator Andy Zay of Huntington, who has been named chair of the Commission. Zay previously represented Senate District 17 and brings years of legislative experience to the role. His background combines public policy work with business and entrepreneurial experience, a mix that state officials say will be valuable as the Commission evaluates major infrastructure projects and rate proposals.
As chair, Zay is expected to guide discussions on how utilities can modernize while keeping costs under control for consumers. His experience in the General Assembly included work on fiscal issues and economic development, areas that often intersect with utility regulation when large investments or rate adjustments are proposed.
Joining Zay on the Commission is Anthony Swinger of Marion County, who comes from the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor. At the OUCC, Swinger served as executive director of technical operations, a role that placed him at the center of complex regulatory cases involving utility rates and service standards. His work focused on representing the interests of ratepayers, particularly in proceedings that required detailed technical and financial analysis.
Swinger’s appointment is seen as bringing a strong consumer-focused perspective to the Commission. His experience with ratemaking and regulatory processes is expected to help the IURC evaluate proposals from utilities while carefully considering their impact on customers.
The third new commissioner is Bob Deig of Vanderburgh County, a former state senator who represented Senate District 49. During his time in the legislature, Deig served on the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee, where he worked on issues related to energy policy, infrastructure development, and regulatory oversight. His familiarity with utility-related legislation gives him insight into how state policy goals translate into regulatory decisions.
Together, the three appointees will help shape IURC rulings on utility rates, service reliability, and infrastructure investment. Their decisions will affect not only household utility bills but also the operating environment for employers across Indiana.
Governor Braun’s administration has emphasized affordability and reliability as key priorities for the Commission. With rising costs, aging infrastructure, and evolving energy demands, the new commissioners are expected to face complex challenges as they step into their roles early next year.
