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Zionsville council denies exclusivity agreement with Citizens Energy after public comment and split vote
Summary
The Town of Zionsville council voted 4–3 on March 16 to deny Ordinance 2025-27, a proposed letter agreement granting exclusivity to Citizens Energy for a service area and related CTA swap with Hamilton Southeastern. The decision followed public testimony urging both approval and caution about premature action.
The Town of Zionsville Town Council on March 16 voted 4–3 to deny Ordinance 2025-27, a proposed letter agreement between the town and Citizens Energy that would have granted exclusivity in a designated service area and effectively acknowledged a proposed CTA swap involving Hamilton Southeastern (HSSE).
Resident Candace Mer told the council she supported the ordinance, describing a long partnership between Union Township and HSSE and saying Citizens was the most experienced utility partner. "I'm here to ask you to approve your ordinance 25-27 between Citizens Gas and HSSE," Mer said, adding that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) is the ultimate authority.
Resident Eric Hand opposed advanced approval, describing the proposal as premature and lacking critical details. Hand said the advanced approval could create the perception that a decision was already made, discourage other potential service providers from submitting proposals and preclude competitive sourcing. "Approval of the request creates a perception that a decision has already been made," he said.
Council discussion reflected both positions. One council member representing District 1 said they preferred revoking the CTA swap, acknowledging that doing so could prompt litigation, and argued HSSE had opportunities to serve the area. Another council member said they continued to support Citizens Energy as the town's strategic partner. A third council member said they were "close to the middle" but would "trust the experts" and the IURC to resolve technical questions.
Councelor Samson moved to deny the ordinance; Councelor Malddere seconded the motion. Roll call recorded votes as follows: President Plunkett — yes; Vice President Burke — no; Councelor Melton — no; Councelor Stein — yes; Councelor Melair — yes; Councelor Samson — yes; Councelor Norris — no. The motion to deny passed 4–3.
The council meeting record indicates the proposed letter agreement was described by staff as granting exclusivity in the specified area and that the IURC would be the ultimate regulatory authority if the parties sought changes to service territories. The council did not approve the town's acknowledgement of that exclusivity.
No formal appeal or next procedural step was announced at the meeting. The IURC retains authority over territorial decisions if parties pursue proceedings there.
