West Lafayette, Indiana – Governor Mike Braun reaffirmed his long-term energy vision for Indiana during a fireside chat with Purdue University President Mung Chiang at the Purdue Nuclear Energy Summit on November 5, 2025, emphasizing his plan to secure both affordability and reliability in the state’s power supply.
Speaking before a crowd of industry leaders, students, and policymakers, Braun underscored the urgent need for Indiana to expand its energy capacity while keeping costs under control for households and businesses. He outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at building a strong and sustainable energy framework that will support the state’s economic growth for decades to come.
“Indiana is uniquely positioned to be the national leader in energy generation. To ensure affordable prices for ratepayers, we must increase energy supply. I am taking bold steps to make sure Indiana can meet increased electricity demand reliably and affordably into the future,” Governor Braun said.
During the discussion, Braun pointed to Indiana’s proactive approach in increasing baseload energy production — the consistent and reliable power output required to meet everyday energy demands. He said the state is pursuing new technologies and diversified generation sources, including advancements in nuclear energy, to ensure that power remains dependable even as demand continues to grow.
A key focus of the governor’s remarks was the connection between energy development and education. He praised Purdue University and other Indiana institutions for helping create a skilled workforce capable of leading the next generation of energy innovation. Braun described higher education as essential to developing the engineers, scientists, and technicians who will support new energy generation projects in the years ahead.
The governor’s long-term energy strategy also includes a strong emphasis on consumer protection and fiscal responsibility. Earlier this year, he appointed Abby Gray as Indiana’s new Utility Consumer Counselor Commissioner, a move designed to ensure that ratepayers’ interests remain a top priority. In addition, Braun directed a comprehensive evaluation of utility profits and ordered an exploration of cost-saving measures to identify opportunities for lowering energy costs statewide.
To guide Indiana’s path forward, Braun also established a Strategic Energy Task Force, charged with developing a long-range plan to ensure that the state’s energy infrastructure can meet growing demand efficiently and affordably. The task force is expected to provide recommendations on future energy investments, grid modernization, and innovative solutions to strengthen reliability across Indiana’s energy systems.
Throughout the Purdue event, Braun reiterated his belief that Indiana’s mix of strong industrial capacity, research excellence, and strategic planning puts the state in a prime position to lead nationally in energy innovation. He stressed that maintaining affordability while supporting modernization is not only an economic priority but also a commitment to the well-being of Indiana families and businesses.
Governor Braun’s remarks reflect a continued focus on energy independence, workforce development, and practical policies that balance environmental responsibility with economic competitiveness. As Indiana moves ahead with its energy agenda, the governor emphasized that collaboration among universities, private industry, and state agencies will remain key to achieving a stable, affordable, and reliable energy future.
