(FORT WAYNE) - A longtime Indiana lawmaker is stepping away from the State Senate for a new role in state government.
Republican State Senator Andy Zay has confirmed he is resigning his seat representing District 17 to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Zay says his background makes him well-suited for the position, pointing to five years on the Senate's utility committee and growing concerns over energy reliability and rising demand. Zay says Indiana has faced challenges as baseload power plants were closed while energy needs increased due to technology growth and renewable investments. He says his top priorities moving forward will be reliable power generation and keeping utility costs affordable for Hoosiers.
Zay is one of three new commissioners appointed by Governor Mike Braun. The others are former State Senator Bob Deig and Anthony Swinger with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor. Governor Braun says the appointments are aimed at ensuring reliable and affordable utilities while protecting families and businesses from excessive rate increases. The new commissioners are scheduled to begin their duties January 12th.