LaPorte County commissioners adopt resolution urging utility-billing transparency

LaPorte County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on Feb. 18 urging utilities to provide more detailed itemization of delivery charges and better tracking of those fees. The board voted 3-0 to adopt Resolution 2026-1 and asked County officials to press the issue with state regulators.

The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Connie Gramarossa, responds to resident complaints that delivery charges on utility bills have risen sharply with little explanation. “Delivery charges have increased, some even doubling from last year, with no explanation,” Gramarossa said, urging the county to take a public stance to draw attention to the issue.

President Steve Holifield said he plans to travel to Indianapolis to present the resolution to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). “I will hand deliver the Resolution when I am in Indianapolis to give a testimony to the IURC,” Holifield said.

Commissioner Joe Haney noted limitations on the IURC’s authority, saying state statute constrains what the commission can review and that the legislature has set the framework for the IURC’s actions. Haney said he has contacted state representatives Pressel and Bohacek to seek legislative changes, suggesting that reform or clearer authority may be needed to address billing practices.

The board provided no binding regulatory changes in this meeting; the resolution is a formal expression of support for greater transparency and a request that state-level actors and regulators consider the concerns raised by LaPorte County residents. The resolution passed on a 3-0 vote.

Next steps: President Holifield will carry the adopted resolution to Indianapolis and county staff encouraged residents to raise concerns with their state representatives. No further county-level regulatory action on utility billing was enacted at the meeting.