Cassady represents electric cooperatives on Strategic Energy Growth Task Force

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Indiana Electric Cooperatives CEO John Cassady represented Indiana’s electric cooperatives at two recent meetings of Governor Mike Braun’s Strategic Energy Growth Task Force.

Braun established the task force to develop a comprehensive plan to meet Indiana’s growing demand for reliable, affordable energy. The group will craft both a five-year strategy and a 20-year outlook to ensure the state’s energy infrastructure supports continued economic development.

“I’m honored to represent Indiana’s electric cooperative in this important discussion,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “It is important the cooperatives have an opportunity to present the perspective of the industry and the communities we serve. This is a chance to ensure that our state’s growing demand for reliable, affordable energy is met in a way that strengthens our communities and supports economic development for decades to come.”

During the first meeting, task force members heard from state and national energy leaders, including the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and PJM Interconnection. Discussion topics included Indiana’s current energy landscape, national and state energy forecasts, long-term reliability assessments, and the growing role of advanced energy technologies.

The second meeting continued to build on those insights, highlighting specific drivers affecting Indiana’s energy economy. Discussions included new federal environmental regulations and the uncertainty they introduce for utility planning; shifting generation costs tied to Indiana’s ongoing transition from legacy coal facilities to natural gas and renewable resources; and concerns from major industrial employers about affordability and grid stability. Additional briefings explored the state’s growing demand from data centers — which require continuous, high-capacity electricity — and the increasing need for workforce development, supply chain readiness, and regulatory clarity to support future nuclear energy deployment.

The task force is guided by four key objectives:

  • Development – Expanding Indiana’s energy sector to meet increasing demand.
  • Affordability – Ensuring energy remains cost-effective for Hoosiers.
  • Diversification – Advancing an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy.
  • Collaboration – Encouraging coordination between government, utilities, and private industry.

Cassady’s participation ensures electric cooperatives — which power 89 of Indiana’s 92 counties and serve more than 1.3 million Hoosiers — are represented in key policy discussions shaping the state’s energy future.