Senate Bill 340 would shut down the Energizing Indiana program, under which energy auditors visit homes and businesses and recommend ways to reduce energy consumption. Typical recommendations include switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, wrapping pipes in insulation, turning down the temperature on water heaters and getting rid of old, energy-gobbling refrigerators.
The bill, which also passed the House by a lopsided vote two weeks ago, now goes to Gov. Mike Pence for his consideration. Its future is not certain.
“The governor recognizes the important role energy efficiency has to play in Indiana’s energy portfolio,” said Kara Brooks, the governor’s spokeswoman. “SB 340 proposes a departure from Indiana’s current program, and the governor is carefully weighing whether this is best for Indiana.”
The program was launched in 2012, a few years after it was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission with the support of then-Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Dozens of other issues — including a business tax cut and the creation of a preschool pilot program — remain unresolved as this year’s legislative session winds to a close. Legislative leaders said they are trying to end the session by Thursday, a day ahead of the mandated deadline.
If Pence goes along with the General Assembly on the energy bill, it would remove Indiana from the ranks of 26 states that require utilities to offer programs that reduce energy use, part of a growing national effort to reduce electricity demand, lower prices and cut carbon emissions.
