IEC has been invited to represent the interests of Indiana’s electric cooperatives with two influential state initiatives: the Nuclear Energy Coalition and the Strategic Energy Growth Task Force. Having a seat at the table during both of these important discussions ensures the voices of electric cooperatives are represented.
Nuclear Energy Coalition
In April 2025, Gov. Braun established the Nuclear Indiana Coalition to advance nuclear energy development in the state, with a particular focus on small modular reactors and other advanced technologies. The coalition brings together state agencies, utilities, industry, academic, and other stakeholders to identify regulatory opportunities, engage with federal programs, and develop policies that support nuclear energy as part of Indiana’s long-term energy strategy. IEC was invited to join the coalition and is represented by Ryan Heater, vice president of government relations and regulatory strategy.
The coalition met twice in 2025. The first meeting, held on Nov. 19, provided an overview of Indiana’s current energy landscape and generation mix, included a briefing on federal small modular reactor initiatives such as NASEO’s First Movers Initiative, and focused on early stakeholder engagement. The second meeting, on Dec. 11, addressed spent fuel management and recycling, reviewed financing options for advanced nuclear projects through an Energy Systems Network prepared report, and outlined next steps and a preliminary roadmap for 2026 activities. Overall, the coalition is positioning nuclear energy as both a strategic energy resource and an economic development opportunity for Indiana, with collaboration across government, utilities, and private stakeholders viewed as essential. The discussions throughout 2026 are expected to shift toward more actionable projects, funding strategies, and targeted regulatory engagement.
Strategic Energy Growth Task Force
Indiana is developing a State Energy Growth Plan to address the state’s electricity needs through 2030 and beyond, with a focus on meeting growing demand while maintaining reliability, affordability, and economic competitiveness. The Strategic Energy Growth Task Force, established by Gov. Braun in June 2025, is leading this effort. John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, represents IEC and our member cooperatives on the task force.
The task force met three times in 2025 and has met twice in 2026 to examine Indiana’s energy landscape, projected load growth, regulatory impacts, and infrastructure needs. Key themes included significant demand growth from data centers and large industrial users, the need for proactive generation and transmission planning, and managing cost impacts on ratepayers. Members also discussed manufacturing competitiveness, regulatory uncertainty, and the long-term role of nuclear energy, with workforce, supply chain, and regulatory readiness identified as critical factors. An interim report was submitted at the end of 2025, and the task force will continue its work in 2026, with the final State Energy Growth Plan due by May 29, 2026.