Evansville bar hosts "Blackout Night" to raise awareness of high energy costs

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) -- In response to recent rate increases by CenterPoint Energy, the ownership at Arcademie Bar hosted a blackout night aimed at informing residents of this issue.

Co owner Carl Arnheiter says policies at the state level prevent local lawmakers from providing any relief but change can start with local awareness.

"They know that the rates are already high, everyone protested the rate hike last time, we can't change things here locally until we change things up north," Arnheiter said.

Evansville native Phil Hooper was one of many concerned citizens attending the blackout night, he says for him, the rate hikes have left him feeling helpless and motivates him to look into living elsewhere.

"It makes me want to move to Henderson, it makes me want to move to Columbus, I