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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is about to lose a senior lawyer as the agency also absorbs challenges over a rate hike and sorts out the fate of its recently fired chair.
General Counsel Beth Heline plans to step down Sept. 1. A commission spokesperson said the commission is currently accepting applications for her replacement and hopes to fill the position by next month.
The commission, also known as the IURC, oversees hundreds of utilities that operate in Indiana. It includes five appointed commissioners and a staff of about 75, according to its website.
The IURC has been the subject of heavy criticism after it approved a $71-million electric rate hike for AES in June. Gov. Mike Braun fired IURC Chair Andy Zay earlier this month. Zay has since sued Braun and other administration members in Marion County Superior Court over the dismissal.
Zay, who was appointed in January, has asked the court to reinstate him.
AES has since raised the potential for legal action if the IURC lowers rates while Zay’s dismiss is still in dispute.
Heline said in a LinkedIn post that she has served as general counsel for 12 years.
She told The Indiana Lawyer in an email that she has been with the IURC for more than 20 years in total, calling it a “great honor to serve my fellow Hoosiers and work alongside the great team” there.
“While I’ve greatly enjoyed the valuable work I’ve been part of as General Counsel, I felt it was time to take advantage of my retirement benefits and look for additional opportunities,” she said, adding that she’s still reviewing possible next options.
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