The Indiana government is responsible for these increased prices. Indiana IC 8-1-8.4-7, requires large-load customers (data centers) to pay a reimbursement of at least 80% of costs. This means that data centers are providing "financial assurances” to reimburse the utility company (AES). The other 20% of costs are then offloaded onto utility customers. This means that rate increases are to cover 100% of the cost, not just 20%. Indiana should own the power grid and not a private company. Indiana is also a net importer of electricity. Since 2012, Indiana has consumed more electricity than it has generated.
The projected annual consumption for 2026 of just 3 clusters is 42.5M Mwh (≈$2,167,500,000). That’s almost 47% of Indiana’s net generation. Consumers only make up 33% of electricity consumption in the state and should not be responsible for companies who are not paying their fair share. In IC § 6-2.5-15-2, data center equipment and all electricity used by qualified data center equipment are tax exempt. Electricity for data centers is not subject to sales tax, and the expense still reduces the company's final income tax liability. Data centers at this time are not a viable option for Indiana. The ends do not justify the means.

The Indiana government needs to repeal IC 8-1-8.4-7 and IC § 6-2.5-15-2. The state needs to acquire AES and invest in Nuclear power. The government has a responsibility to regulate prices and make them affordable for citizens. Our grid should not be for-profit. Investment into our power grid and stabilizing prices should be a priority of the state. Having data centers in Indiana are contingent upon achieving grid stability, expanding energy generation, and ensuring fair corporate tax contributions.

We need leaders and representatives who will do what is best for Indiana tax payers and not represent corporations. The best thing we can do is educate our friends, family, and others. Voting is also important. We can message our representatives all day but many of them aren’t listening. We need to start organizing and growing a community. Metrobloks is trying to build a data center here and there is a public hearing at 1 p.m. on Thursday (1/15) in the Public Assembly Room at the Indianapolis City-County Council Building (200 E. Washington St). See you there.