Indiana families are being forced to subsidize billion-dollar data centers — and the monopoly utilities that serve them — through rising energy bills and unchecked corporate influence. While utility companies and data center giants promise jobs and lower rates, the truth is, these projects demand massive new infrastructure and energy, costs that are quietly passed on to the rest of us.

Data centers use an enormous amount of power — far more than ordinary homes or businesses. But instead of paying their fair share, loopholes in Indiana law let them stick the rest of us with the bill. Our state is allowing for-profit monopoly utilities to serve these massive energy users while charging residential customers for the privilege — and even using our money to lobby against stronger regulations.

We need lawmakers to stand up for everyday Hoosiers, not utility lobbyists. That starts with banning lobbying and campaign contributions by government-backed monopoly utilities. No company that profits from a guaranteed government contract should be allowed to turn around and use that profit to buy political influence. It’s a direct conflict of interest — and one Indiana can stop.

We also need a law with teeth: data centers must cover 100% of the energy infrastructure costs they create, not a watered-down version with vague terms and hidden loopholes. These projects shouldn’t be approved unless they're truly a good deal for communities — not just for corporations.

We're calling on the Indiana General Assembly and Governor Mike Braun to:

• Ban lobbying and campaign contributions from regulated monopoly utilities.
• Strengthen laws to ensure data centers pay the full cost of the infrastructure they require.
• Prioritize transparency and public input over corporate influence in all utility-related decisions.

Hoosiers shouldn't be paying more on our energy bills so Big Tech can pay less. Sign to demand action.

Photo: Michael Clubb / South Bend Tribune