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Indiana has long been a state that builds industries, communities and opportunity. Today, we are writing a new chapter in that legacy. It is defined not by smokestacks alone but by the infrastructure that will power the 21st century economy. I came to appreciate this firsthand as lieutenant governor and later, as CEO of PSI Indiana, when energy policy and economic development were inseparable.
During my tenure, Indiana worked to strengthen its energy foundation by encouraging investment in generation, improving coordination between government and utilities, and recognizing that reliable, affordable electricity was essential to attracting and retaining employers. Those efforts rested on a simple truth: Without adequate energy capacity, economic opportunity is limited. That perspective remains just as relevant today as energy demand continues to accelerate across the country.
There is a growing recognition that the United States must invest more aggressively in infrastructure, particularly in energy. Demand is rising at a pace not seen in decades. Advanced manufacturing is expanding, data centers are multiplying, and new technologies are placing greater strain on the electric grid. Forward-thinking states must get ahead of that demand, not just keep up with it. Indiana is showing it is ready to lead.
Consider two recent developments. The Indiana Office of Energy Development announced the Grid Resilience Grant Program, committing $2.5 billion to modernize the grid. And the acquisition of AES by Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT signals serious private-sector confidence in Indiana’s energy future. GIP and EQT are long-term infrastructure investors —and that matters. This is the kind of patient, stable capital that strengthens a company’s balance sheet, keeps rates manageable for Hoosier families and gives AES the financial footing it needs to keep investing in the grid upgrades and capacity additions that Indiana’s growth demands. Both public and private investment are moving in the same direction.
Investment at this scale reinforces Indiana’s reputation as a place where long-term commitments can succeed. When investors commit significant capital to energy infrastructure here, they are signaling confidence in more than one company. They are expressing confidence in our workforce, our business environment and our regulatory stability. That kind of confidence attracts more investment over time and creates a multiplier effect that reaches well beyond the energy sector.
The benefits for Hoosiers are tangible. Large-scale energy projects require skilled workers to build, maintain and operate them, supporting well-paying jobs in construction, engineering and advanced technical fields. Modern, reliable energy systems also make Indiana more competitive in recruiting new businesses, which means more jobs and a stronger tax base. These developments do not just benefit one region. They strengthen communities across the state.
Indiana is well positioned to meet this moment because it has already demonstrated that it can attract major investments across life sciences, logistics and advanced manufacturing. None of those sectors can grow without reliable, affordable power that scales with demand. By strengthening energy infrastructure and modernizing the grid, Indiana is laying the groundwork for sustained growth.
There is also a strategic opportunity here. Companies across the country are seeking locations that offer both reliability and access to cleaner energy at scale. Indiana’s ability to meet those expectations will determine how much of that investment it captures as the energy transition continues to accelerate.
At its best, Indiana has always balanced continuity with change. This moment reflects that same approach. Growing investment in energy and infrastructure signals momentum and confirms that Indiana is a place where long-term commitments pay off.
If Indiana continues to pair investment with smart policy, the results will speak for themselves: stronger infrastructure, more well-paying jobs and a state well positioned to lead for decades to come.•
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Mutz is a former lieutenant governor of Indiana.
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