CenterPoint Energy gives monthly credit as part of ‘affordability actions’

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) — CenterPoint Energy customers in southwestern Indiana will soon see a new credit on their utility bills.

As 14 News previously reported, many consumers saw bills this summer hundreds and even thousands of dollars more than expected.

The upcoming bill credit is part of two “affordability actions” announced today by the utility company in response to customer concerns. CenterPoint’s new president for the Indiana region, Mike Roeder, says it’s also part of a renewed commitment to transparency.

“I think one of the things that we could have done a better job on is communicate what it is that those, that the increases over the summer. What were those going for?” Roeder said.

He says the rate increases, which are part of the $80 million approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission this past February, are to recoup costs of already completed projects.

“Those were going for helping to pay for generation projects in Posey County that came online,” Roeder said. “So, we closed (the) coal plant in 2023. We brought on two natural gas combustion turbines and 190-some megawatts of solar all in Posey County.”

The new president says one of the savings actions will start in November. CenterPoint customers will see a $3.00 monthly credit for about six months. Roeder says that’s through a combination of bill adjustments and credits.

The second action starts next year. Roeder says its to keep rates near or below inflation for the next two years, which will amount to around $18.00 per month in savings.

Indiana State Representative Alex Burton says it’s a step in the right direction.

“We have to keep working towards solutions and finding long-term goals and solutions that are greater than, you know, $20 in savings,” Burton said.

He says as people look for new ways to manage rising costs across the board, legislators like himself also have a responsibility.

“Making sure that Hoosiers are able to live within Indiana as opposed to moving over the bridge into Kentucky where the cost of living is cheaper,” Burton said.

Roeder says today’s savings announcement was just the first. Later this month, he says, CenterPoint will be putting information out on winter savings tools that customers can use.

You can check out those resources here.

Copyright 2025 WFIE. All rights reserved.