The AES Indiana request to raise monthly electricity bills by more than 13 percent has set off a maelstrom of opposition from city councilors , local advocacy groups and the utility’s customers.

But AES officials continue to argue the state should approve the increase, citing a slew of rising spending costs, particularly on vegetation management — a surprisingly expensive process that involves trimming trees growing near power lines.

“This is the biggest cost that's increased for us,” said Mallory Duncan, a spokesperson for AES Indiana, on Sept. 16 as a tree crew snipped away at giant, fluffy pine near Ditch Road on the northwest side. The utility has seen vegetation management spending spike about 185 percent since 2022, she said.

Tree trimming helps ensure the power stays on durin

See Full Page