How Indiana Renters Can Benefit from Solar Power Credits

With rising energy costs, many Indiana renters are searching for ways to save on their utility bills. Solar power credits can offer significant savings, but understanding what’s available — and how it works for tenants — is not always straightforward. This guide explains Indiana’s solar power credit programs, tenant rights regarding utilities, and practical steps renters can take to benefit from renewable energy options.

Understanding Solar Power Credits and Tenant Savings

Solar power credits, often called ‘net metering’, allow customers to receive credit on their energy bills for excess electricity their home’s solar panels send back to the grid. While most information is geared toward homeowners, some Indiana renters can benefit if their building is equipped with solar panels or through community solar projects.

• Net Metering: Credits customers for surplus solar energy produced at their residence.
• Shared Solar / Community Solar: Enables groups of tenants to subscribe to a portion of a larger solar project and receive credits on their utility bills.

As of 2022, Indiana’s net metering program is being phased out, but customers who enrolled before July 1, 2022, are "grandfathered" — meaning existing participants can still receive full retail rate credits.[1] If your building has solar panels, ask your landlord whether these credits are being applied to your unit or the whole building’s bill.

Your Rights as a Renter: Utilities and Solar Credits in Indiana

In Indiana, landlords and tenants can agree on who pays utility bills, including electricity. The arrangement should be specified in your lease. If solar credits are available, check if your lease says how these are distributed. For buildings with shared utilities, landlords must follow state rules to charge for usage fairly and transparently.[2]

Legislation Protecting Indiana Renters

• Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 (Landlord-Tenant Relations)
• Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) oversees utility billing practices and tenant rights regarding metering and utility charges.

How Can Indiana Renters Benefit from Community Solar?

Some Indiana energy providers offer community solar subscriptions. Renters who join can receive monthly bill credits for their share of a solar project, even if they don’t have panels on their own building. Ask your electric utility if community solar is available in your area, or visit the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) for program listings and consumer protections.

Common Forms and How Indiana Renters Should Use Them

• Utility Complaint Form (IURC): If you believe you’re being incorrectly billed for electricity or solar credits are not being applied, submit the IURC Utility Complaint Form.
• When to use it: If your landlord isn’t following state rules for dividing or crediting utility bills, or if solar credits are being withheld.
• How to use: Complete the online or downloadable form on the OUCC website, provide supporting documents (bills, lease), and describe your situation.
• Lease Dispute Complaint (Indiana Attorney General): Use the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Form if disputes about solar credits involve potential lease violations.
• When to use it: After speaking with your landlord and utility company, if the issue remains unresolved.

The IURC is the main authority handling utility-related tenant complaints in Indiana.

Action Steps for Indiana Renters

• Check your lease to see who is responsible for electric bills and how utility credits are handled.
• Contact your landlord or property manager to ask about solar credits or participation in community solar programs.
• If eligible, enroll in available community solar programs through your utility provider.
• If you have questions or disputes, gather your bills, lease, and written communications before submitting complaints to authorities.

FAQ: Solar Power Credits & Indiana Renters

1. Can Indiana renters use solar power credits if they don’t own their apartment?
   Yes, if your building has solar panels and your landlord passes on the credits or if you join a community solar program offered by your utility.
2. What should I do if I think my landlord isn’t crediting my portion of solar savings?
   Gather your lease, recent bills, and written communications, then file a complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
3. Is there a state form for utility or solar billing complaints?
   Yes, renters can use the IURC Utility Complaint Form online.
4. Can my landlord charge extra for shared utility solar savings?
   Landlords must follow state rules; they cannot overcharge or withhold legal credits. Any fees must be clearly stated in your lease.
5. Who regulates utility disputes between landlords and tenants in Indiana?
   The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regulates these disputes and provides complaint resources.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

• Solar power credits can help reduce renters’ electricity costs if properly applied.
• Indiana law requires transparency in how landlords divide and charge for utilities, including any renewable energy credits.
• If you have a dispute or questions, use official state forms and contact the IURC for guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC): Free advice and consumer protection for utility issues.
• Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC): Handles tenant utility complaints and billing disputes.
• Indiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: For broader landlord/tenant or lease-related complaints.
• Indiana Landlord-Tenant Law (IC 32-31): Official text of state rules for residential tenancies.

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1. Indiana Net Metering Official Guidelines
2. Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 – Landlord-Tenant Relations

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