Indiana Gov. Braun Appoints Abby Gray Utility Consumer Counselor Amid Regulatory Turnover

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has appointed Abby Gray as the new leader of the Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor, directing her to evaluate utility company profits and implement cost-saving measures to reduce the financial burden on Hoosier ratepayers. Braun emphasized that residents have faced continual utility rate increases and expressed a desire for utility investors to bear more of the business costs instead of passing them on to consumers. Gray, with over 30 years of experience including 23 years at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, expressed honor and commitment to advocating for consumers. The appointment comes as three commissioners of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission have stepped down, potentially allowing Braun greater influence on utility rate decisions. Advocacy groups and state legislators welcomed the appointment, seeing Gray as a strong advocate who can effectively challenge large utility companies. Overall, the governor's actions signal a focused effort to address rising utility costs and improve affordability for Indiana residents.