Hi, I am Kristin, having worked at CenterPoint Energy, I've witnessed firsthand the numerous challenges that customers face. Simultaneously, as a resident of Evansville, Indiana, I've experienced how the lack of options in our local energy market leads to exceedingly high electric bills and, in some cases, even the disconnection of vital services. This is a problem that affects not just individuals, but local businesses that are integral to our community's economic health.

CenterPoint Energy operates as a monopoly in our area, effectively leaving residents and businesses with no alternative providers. This lack of competition enables them to consistently increase rates, placing undue financial strain on our community. According to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential electricity prices have increased by about 6% over the last year alone, and CenterPoint Energy has specifically been noted for its steep price hikes in recent years.

Such monopolistic practices not only violate the principles of a free market economy but also harm the very people that energy companies are supposed to serve. It's time for a state and federal investigation into their practices to determine if they are exploiting their monopoly to unfairly increase rates without providing justifiable improvements to service or infrastructure. My proposed solution,  Halt any pending or future rate increases until an independent review is conducted to ensure costs are justified, transparent, and reflective of actual infrastructure needs not corporate profit. Ensure that regulatory bodies (IURC and OUCC) include voices representing local ratepayers who live under CenterPoint’s service area. Decisions affecting our bills must consider the direct impact on residents.

Investigate customer service performance, billing accuracy, and feasibility of introducing alternative power suppliers or community‑based energy solutions (such as municipal power or energy cooperatives).

Require CenterPoint to publicly detail how its infrastructure costs, return on equity, and capital investments directly benefit customers not just shareholders.   By supporting this petition, you are advocating for greater transparency and fairness in our local energy market. We need to stand together to urge our officials to hold CenterPoint Energy accountable for their pricing strategies and lack of competition, which are crippling to both residential and business consumers.

Let's ensure that our voices are heard and that necessary regulatory actions are taken to reinstate fairness and competition in our energy market. Sign this petition to demand an investigation into CenterPoint Energy's practices and help pave the way for a more equitable energy future in Evansville, Indiana.