Photo: Noah Coffey (Flickr)
Gov. Daniels replaced head of IURC.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced today the termination of Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Chairman David Lott Hardy, effective immediately.
The firing comes after an investigation into e-mail communications between former IURC administrative law judge Scott Storms and Duke Energy concerning a job offer. Hardy was aware of the communications, but according to the governor’s office, Storms was still permitted to conduct hearings concerning Duke Energy during the time of the communications. This, according to the governor’s office, created the appearance of impropriety.
Duke Energy media representative Angeline Protegere said that an internal investigation is currently underway.
“We will be hiring external counsel to review the matters,” Protegere said, “and during that time, we’ve placed Mr. Storms… on administrative leave pending a complete and full evaluation.”
The Governor’s office did not return phone calls asking for comment, but in a press release said current IURC commissioner Jim Adderholt has been appointed to fill the position.
