Indiana Electric Cooperatives, the association representing the state’s 38 electric distribution cooperatives, remains concerned about the impact the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan and the impact new regulations will have on its members.

“As not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives, we have a responsibility to represent the best interests of our member consumers,” said Rick Coons, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “The potential for this rule to dramatically raise the price of electricity and damage the state’s economy is too great.”

In 2014, Indiana Electric Cooperatives led a coordinated grassroots campaign in response to these regulations as part of the public comment period. Over 90,000 Hoosiers asked the EPA reconsider its approach.

“As the Clean Power Plan regulations were revealed today, Indiana’s electric cooperatives are disappointed the EPA chose not to adapt their regulations to help protect affordable electricity for Hoosiers,” said Coons.

“While some modifications were made, the final regulations continue to reflect the fundamental flaws of the EPA’s original proposal. We believe these regulations will add additional and unnecessary burdens to already rising costs without making any meaningful impact on carbon emissions worldwide.”

Indiana’s electric cooperatives are dedicated to a cleaner environment, including an aggressive commitment to energy efficiency programs and renewable energy. It is a key part of the cooperatives’ commitment to the communities we serve and our mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity.