Purdue wins $19M federal grant to develop shale-fuel technology
The five-year grant from the National Science Foundation is expected to provide an early boost to Purdue’s new engineering research center.
Utilities
Articles
U.S. solar panel installers brace for first decline as rooftop demand slips
The solar industry is girding for a slowdown after a decade of double-digit expansion.
Novel Cummins power deal will fund wind farm expansion
A virtual-power purchase agreement is a new type of energy contract that allows a large customer to support green-energy projects and hedge electricity prices
State sues to defend new law requiring out-of-state retailers to pay sales tax
The state of Indiana has been clamoring to collect sales tax from out-of-state retailers. The only problem is a U.S. Supreme Court decision that says it can’t.
Energy Department calls for easing rules on power plants
The department said in a new report that the closure of many plants that once formed the backbone of the grid has raised the risk that consumers might not have reliable electricity.
Indianapolis, IPL ink $12M contract to update 27,000 streetlights
The city said it will use the savings from the more energy-efficient lights to add another 4,000 streetlamps.
Vectren considering sale after takeover interest, sources say
Vectren provides gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and about 20 percent of Ohio.
Regulators reject massive Midwest wind-power line with Indiana connection
The line would run from Kansas through Missouri and Illinois to Indiana, where it would connect with a power grid for eastern states.
UPDATE: Judge orders Carmel to halt work on 96th Street roundabout project
The city of Carmel has been ordered by a Boone County judge to cease any work on its proposed 96th Street roundabout project, which is the subject of an ongoing land dispute with Indianapolis.
Outages, costly repairs continue to plague $3.5B Edwardsport power plant
Duke Energy Corp.’s massive, $3.5 billion power plant in Edwardsport, billed as a technological marvel, continues to deal with operating and maintenance setbacks.
California insurance boss under fire for climate initiative
Officials from Oklahoma and more than a dozen other states—including Indiana—have sent two letters to California’s insurance commissioner, asking that he stop pressing insurance companies to publicly disclose fossil fuel investments and divest from the coal industry.
Insurers: We’re off the hook, Duke Energy knew coal ash risk
Dozens of insurance companies say they're not obligated to help pay for Duke Energy Corp.'s multi-billion-dollar coal ash cleanup because the nation's largest electric company new the threat of potentially toxic pollutants.
Innovative ideas from across the country we could copy
A struggling mall turned into a co-working space? An auction that connects startups with C-level execs? Inmates-turned-entrepreneurs? Check out programs and projects in other cities that have garnered national attention and could prompt discussions locally.
Whitestown suing wastewater utility for $2.5 million
In a lawsuit filed in Marion Superior Court, Whitestown is suing the wastewater division of Citizens Energy Group for breach of contract and is seeking a refund for connection fees.
IU to add 16 faculty members for $55M climate change initiative
The centerpiece of the initiative will be a new Environmental Resilience Institute, based in Bloomington.
Governor signs solar-power compensation bill into law
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed a bill into law that will reduce the financial benefits available to those who install solar panels.
Holcomb faces deadline on divisive energy, alcohol bills
Thus far, the Indiana governor has refused to detail any action he may take, saying he was “still reviewing” them and “looking at every angle.”
Divisive solar-power bill heads to governor
Critics say the legislation will discourage the use of residential solar and hamper the solar industry in Indiana. But supporters say it will help protect consumers who don’t have solar.
Indiana House passes bill to cut solar panel incentives
Both sides of the issue clashed over the impact the bill would have on Indiana’s growing solar energy industry.
Trump coal order won’t prompt restart of Indiana power plant
The Logansport Municipal Utilities’ power plant burned through the last of its coal in January 2016 before shutting down.