Support of a Reasonable Transition to Cleaner Sources of Energy for South Bend

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Increased investment in distributed generation and demand -side management in South Bend has potential to create a significant clean energy industry, providing quality local jobs and driving cutting -edge technology. Reducing the cost and volatility of utility bills through demand -side management and customer -owned renewable energy would directly improve financial stability for ratepayers in South Bend and hedge against future rate increases. I &M has demonstrated openness to public input in determining the most appropriate long -term solutions for reducing carbon emissions, providing reliable electricity at an affordable cost and promoting economic development in the communities it serves. South Bend considers itself a City of innovation and invites our industries, including I &M, to aggressively pursue new technologies, policies, and programs that increase the attractiveness and affordability of locating in South Bend and ensure long -term financial, social, and environmental well -being of our shared community. South Bend residents are subject to the policies of the State of Indiana as well as the programs of the regulated investor -owned utility that services the legally - determined territory that includes South Bend. However, I &M and this Council share many common goals. Therefore, the Council offers some measures for evaluation that could support South Bend's efforts to use cleaner energy and reduce costs. Acknowledging the complexity of utility systems, the Council includes suggestions for State agencies and lawmakers as well. Section I. Utilities - The Council encourages I &M to consider the following policies, programs and opportunities: Continue to invest in utility -scale renewable energy and increase efforts to identify locations in South Bend and nearby communities to invest in local low - emissions generation options. 2. Seek opportunities to make interconnection processes for customer -owned renewable energy and energy storage systems more user - friendly. 3. Support the creation of local jobs through investments in demand management, energy efficiency, energy storage, and wind, hydro, and solar power. 4. Increase recruitment, education, training, and incentives for trade allies to support local businesses in the utility service area. 5. Continue to study and incorporate innovative policies, programs, and technologies based on utility ratepayer and utility distributed generation programs across the country. 6. Increase targeted support for some non - profits, schools, and local governments to reduce energy costs through demand -side management and renewable energy installation. 7. Invest in expanded, cost - effective programs to weatherize and improve energy efficiency in homes with low- income and fixed - income residents so families can better afford their utility bills. 2