[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6537358,"mediaKeyId","3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f","parentId",3590755,"title","Board briefed on 2025 Indiana legislation and executive orders affecting water and energy projects","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1970000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f&start=1970&end=1970","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f/thumbnail_1970000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6537358/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Board-briefed-on-2025-Indiana-legislation-and-executive-orders-affecting-water-and-energy-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537358-14189837526b56621e6ba680fd4060b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156639&Signature=PhBFbjA7SpuFg4MdcgJLkdH8pbZBTH7bnstoNPbhAZK7ubCUjqxRDpcFUTaRm0MsxF6Fkwb4qk1O2OHsr4TlROeMPaWT6ggDKVclpDc6OlSnN-rPRr4PG3baWgQ8~TaDoUjKr-3rfL21Tc-pH86bL8E6nbWXRBG2nYN-IQY6RgzenTvqIaeYjHG~qzPixst8EraeQ831fH7Qwrvj~90f1lH~pxV39BHS0-FBCu0dTritAklplMxr2ynKMN5bxh7w-XORj7hBfVK82TJ3UcgBxd5OR396zMUlNyljJIOwATSpS9Kv9ACKxh3PHzoK4MatttBzcJOzNyKQZCF31zKL6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Indianapolis, IN","date","2025-05-29T00:00:00Z","article","Bridget O'Connor, Director of Government Affairs and Regulatory Policy for Citizens Energy Group, briefed the board May 28 on legislation passed in the 2025 Indiana General Assembly and on two executive orders from Governor Eric J. Holcomb (referred to in the meeting as Governor Braun in the transcript) that address statewide water and energy planning.

Why it matters: Several of the session's actions create new review processes, reporting requirements or protections that affect how utilities plan large water transfers, manage groundwater concerns, and participate in electricity and natural-gas planning tied to major industrial projects.

Key items summarized by O'Connor

- Senate Bill 4 (as discussed in the briefing): Creates a process modeled on public-utility certificate proceedings requiring a utility to seek a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) before piping water more than 30 miles from its source at a capacity of 10,000,000 gallons per day or greater. The briefing stated the bill also requires a DNR permit for moving water between watersheds; Citizens discussed and secured exemptions for routine existing operations.

- Senate Bill 28 (as discussed): Expands DNR authority to investigate groundwater emergencies by allowing scrutiny when a significant withdrawal well (defined in the briefing as a well withdrawing 100,000 gallons per day or more) is impacting another significant withdrawal well, not only when a residential well is affected.

- Senate Bill 426 (referenced in the briefing as \"Senate Bill 4 26\"): Includes provisions that bar certain damages claims against water utilities for alleged drinking-water exposure if the water meets applicable state and federal standards; it also amends tools for utility consolidation and provides additional regulatory mechanisms for cost recovery and asset protections (including limitations on dam closure orders that would impair water supply), according to the presentation.

- Senate Bill 459 (referenced in the briefing as \"Senate Bill 4 59\"): An agency bill addressing reclamation and reuse of water for large projects and adding cybersecurity requirements for water systems. The presentation said the bill requires annual cybersecurity vulnerability assessments and reporting of cyber incidents within 24 to 48 hours depending on severity.

- Executive orders: O'Connor said Governor Braun has issued executive orders charging the state to develop a statewide water planning framework and an inventory of water resources (a target completion date cited in the briefing was Oct. 31, 2026). A separate order directs monitoring of electricity demand and dispatchable generation supply to assess natural-gas pipeline and generation adequacy for large industrial (\"mega\") projects.

What Citizens is doing

O'Connor said Citizens has been engaged with state offices and will remain involved as the executive orders and implementing processes move forward. She described the CPCN-like approach as designed to add public interaction and regulatory review for very large, long-distance water moves while noting Citizens worked to secure limited exemptions for routine operations in multiple watersheds within its current service territory.

Direct questions from the board included whether the IURC would be the ultimate decision authority in a CPCN process for a long-haul water pipeline; O'Connor answered that the IURC would run the process and is effectively the primary decision-making authority on such a request, including public hearings and interaction.

Limitations and attribution

The briefing summarized statutes and implementing processes as they were presented to the board during the May 28 meeting. Specific statutory language, rulemaking timelines and agency procedures were not read into the record; the board presentation recommended monitoring the IURC and DNR implementation work as the new policy processes are developed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council of Indianapolis, IN - Citizens Energy Group Board Meeting - May 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Citizens Energy's government affairs director briefed the board on several bills from the 2025 Indiana legislative session and two executive orders from Governor Braun that could affect large regional water transfers, groundwater emergency authority, cybersecurity and incentives for generation serving large industrial projects.","taxTitle","Indianapolis City, Marion County, Indiana","taxId",3627,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6537363,"Citizens Energy reports steady quarterly results; updates on Lebanon water project, lead-line replacements and Deep Rock tunnel",1415,405000,1820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f&start=405&end=1820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f/thumbnail_405000.jpg","/articles/6537363/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Citizens-Energy-reports-steady-quarterly-results-updates-on-Lebanon-water-project-lead-line-replacements-and-Deep-Rock-tunnel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537363-c2ffa75ef3846ccb87760c42f7e42e57/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156639&Signature=N~bGsIemtDfgXj~zwAWaRceCQJUNqudClhyrgxGtyMJNKQpXIVS0OrBlGGAERJ5uvHadEFgyZrNOjBXv9OFCgArjXbvMf0vlH1vmu37rXmkAG~uN~DVPcSZ2xTTA~5IlBxA2MLOeOOA14lAFcDZ2GK4ELdqyB~YheKOuaXnmClVx8clxmlBtNjr6U-2X~mhZ0v70IG0cZK6twiZiZx2AusU0AqnNK1DyfPbkp9qdpq-Q7aKjlYc4MDcBMrN3E9d7jjuNSuFHKAn0EaGoA3h4GrUG60GQPgvQv3pWCxbuZeMjGHZFaIs2sVN52QKEK~y01BBqgkw1X0ZvEPcCfEIpdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Citizens Energy Group executives told the board May 28 that the company remains broadly on track financially for fiscal 2025 and provided operational updates on major capital programs.

Why it matters: The trust is advancing multi-year, capital-intensive projects that affect regional water supply, wastewater control, and customer service; project timing, funding sources and contract negotiations shape future rates and service reliability.

Financial snapshot

- Combined net income for the quarter was reported at just over $84,000,000, roughly comparable to the $85,000,000 recorded a year earlier. Gas and wastewater units contributed approximately $59,000,000 of the combined net income for the quarter, according to the controller's presentation.

- The company reported no material or unexpected financial results in the quarter; Deloitte completed a review of the second-quarter financial statements and reported no difficulties or disagreements with management during the review process.

Operational and capital updates

- Lebanon regional water program: Executives said the Lebanon water program is progressing on budget and on schedule. The board materials and presenters described plans to expand system capacity; the finances for the Lebanon project are expected to be funded with non-recourse debt and forgivable loans rather than borne directly by current or future Citizens customers.

- Lead service line replacement: Sarah Mamuska Morris, newly introduced in her capacity as vice president of Capital Programs and Engineering, reported that more than 3,100 customer-owned lead service lines had been replaced as of March 2025, and the board heard an estimate that more than 7,000 additional replacements are planned over the next three years.

- Deep Rock tunnel / combined sewer overflow (CSO) work: The board was told the Deep Rock tunnel project is near completion, remains under budget and ahead of schedule. Presenters noted a milestone of over 6 billion gallons of combined-sewer-overflow reduction attributed to the project to date.

- Steam business: Committee reports noted that steam operations face unfavorable economics driven by higher capital needs, inflation, dated equipment and loss of load from two major customers. Steam is in planning for a potential base-rate filing targeted for a future winter (planning stages discussed for a potential filing in 2026 with rate changes effective later). Citizens reported negotiating a new contract with a major steam supplier that currently provides about two-thirds of annual steam supply.

- Natural gas operations: The natural gas business reported improved storage withdrawals and enhanced supply flexibility using expanded assets, including storage fields in Greene County. Actual winter commodity costs were reported at $2.89 per Mcf versus a projected $3.02 per Mcf for the period. Citizens noted it has consistently had among the lowest natural-gas bills in a 19-utility comparison conducted by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) since 2020.

- Wastewater and STEP (septic tank elimination program): Wastewater financials remain challenged and will not be sufficient to cover capital needs until the consent-decree work is completed, according to the committee report. Long-term debt for the wastewater unit was reported at $1.9 billion with a roughly 78% debt ratio compared with a target ratio of 40%. Operational highlights included steady system growth of about 1% per year over the last 12 years and national recognition for the Belmont Treatment Plant's permit compliance and performance.

Funding and market access

- Finance update: Chief Financial Officer Craig Jackson reported that market appetite for high-quality issuers remains strong; a recent thermal financing raised $40 million in new money and refinanced $23 million (total $63 million) and was oversubscribed about 4.5 times, attracting more than 25 unique investors.

What the board heard about risks and process improvements

- Audit and risk committee: The Audit and Risk Committee reported completion of an enterprise risk management (ERM) review documenting mitigation strategies for 83 risks; 30 top risks were discussed and ranked with watch-list items. Increased risk rankings included public perceptions around social and environmental justice, inflation impacts and public perception of water-resource management. Internal audit reported progress on planned audits and on a completed security review with recommendations being addressed.

Next steps and follow-up

- The board approved committee charters where presented and accepted the second-quarter financial statements after committee review and auditor presentation.

- Staff flagged ongoing contract negotiations (steam supply and AES natural-gas agreement), planned base-rate discussions for steam, and continued capital timing adjustments for the Lebanon program; specific dates for filings and final contract terms were discussed as in-progress items.

Direct quotes from executives in the meeting included President and CEO Jeffrey Harrison saying the Lebanon water project \"is on budget and on time,\" and the CFO noting that market demand for Citizens' debt remains strong following the recent financing.","At the May 28 joint board meeting, executives reported generally stable second-quarter results, detailed progress on the Lebanon regional water program and lead service-line replacements, and described near-completion of the Deep Rock tunnel combined-sewer overflow project.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6537368,"Citizens Energy boards approve minutes, committee appointments, cost adjustments and quarterly financials",126,37000,163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f&start=37&end=163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3590755-7b4b07bcea514882a55a0b059b1d6d0f/thumbnail_37000.jpg","/articles/6537368/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Citizens-Energy-boards-approve-minutes-committee-appointments-cost-adjustments-and-quarterly-financials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537368-c69f842cc28f8fe4f89838a8358e358c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156639&Signature=LhOXg0ZtjBBaLZB-BuJ-I51DXLKH9PJyaAgSsmLp1f~CNQJTTsA52e~Wpspwo4SmQIjnxN6deVa2Z09fYQJJ7UOVJjmk-~xg7GZx0G~GDKLmtdZUfqEt4rtsdbR4aXGz8eqIv0gol2Alhh3rIRYitYnGOTvYnD4XMdbtozQT4x9LzGu7Y14Y6QpYKAyeUVBGRoHx-aVYs6FBe3NCyF~palSIqHPWtD9zvRniVPsbN4lUCpXVZXUMI-3ANKGcvOwEbmXWe4uh8mY9XEBVXySrlIMmNPnRB9QGCLblpexgcdPQEdgAeEj~joSGvcT1pPxC1Wmdazu44t4f1tv0w45r6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board of directors of Citizens Energy Group and CWA Authority Inc. approved several routine and financial items at a joint meeting held May 28.

The board voted to approve the minutes of the Feb. 19 meeting, amend Executive and Standing Committee appointments to add newly appointed director Eric Scroggins, adopt Gas Cost Adjustment GCA-166 and Fuel Cost Adjustment FAC-77, and accept the trust's second-quarter fiscal-year 2025 financial statements.

Why it matters: The approvals finalize routine governance housekeeping and confirm the trust's quarterly financial results and short-term pricing adjustments for gas and fuel that affect utility billing and internal accounting.

Key actions and outcomes

- Approval of minutes (Feb. 19): Motion approved. (Resolution/materials on page 3 of the board portal.)

- Amendment to committee appointments to add Eric Scroggins: Motion approved. The amendment places Scroggins on the Wastewater Resources Executive Committee and the Compensation and Finance Committee for the remainder of 2025. (Resolution begins on page 8 of the board portal.)

- Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA-166): Motion approved. The board referenced the resolution on page 12 of the board portal.

- Fuel Cost Adjustment (FAC-77): Motion approved. The resolution is on page 13 of the board portal.

- Acceptance of fiscal-year 2025 second-quarter financial statements for Citizens Energy Group and CWA Authority Inc.: Motion approved after routine review by the Audit and Risk Committee and presentation by the controller and external auditors.

Meeting procedure and voting: In each case the motions were moved and seconded, and the chair called for the ayes; roll-call tallies were not read into the record beyond verbal assent. No votes were recorded as opposed or abstaining in the portion of the transcript where the motions were taken. The board materials referenced for each motion are recorded on the board portal pages cited during the meeting.

What the board recorded in materials: Each motion was supported by resolutions or financial exhibits in the board packet (pages cited during the meeting). The Audit and Risk Committee reported that the external reviewer completed a review of the second-quarter financial statements with no reported disagreements or significant issues.","At a joint meeting May 28, the board of directors of Citizens Energy Group and CWA Authority Inc. approved meeting minutes, amended committee rosters to add new director Eric Scroggins, adopted gas and fuel cost adjustments and accepted combined second-quarter financial statements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board briefed on 2025 Indiana legislation and executive orders affecting water and energy projects

Citizens Energy reports steady quarterly results; updates on Lebanon water project, lead-line replacements and Deep Rock tunnel

Citizens Energy boards approve minutes, committee appointments, cost adjustments and quarterly financials