Mike Braun: “Indiana is probably in the best position of any state, per capita, to help out.”

NIPSCO is a monopoly utility that Hoosiers pay every month with the expectation that it will use its considerable resources to maintain its system, prepare for severe weather and restore service as quickly as possible when disaster strikes.

Our program gives us stronger tools to prevent groundwater contamination, protecting drinking water where these impoundments are, and it gives us agility in terms of staying on top of it.

Agreement state status gives us better customer service, faster permit review times — which was always an issue — faster incident responses, and lower regulatory fees.

If they deliver on that, then shareholders should have an opportunity to make a reasonable return on their investments, but no guarantee if they don’t hold up their end of the bargain on affordability.