Feds’ ruling could spur electricity rate cuts
In an Oct. 16 decision affecting Indiana and 14 other states, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the utilities must negotiate with six customer groups that brought a complaint last year.
Utilities
Articles
Fading casino revenue has Indiana city selling debt
After decades of declining population and shifting economic fortunes, the city of Hammond in northwest Indiana is betting that water from Lake Michigan will refresh its finances.
More seeking financial help after Vectren billing error
Some public assistance organizations in Indiana say many Vectren electricity customers are seeking help paying big bills from the utility correcting ones that were underestimated during the summer.
Indiana electric provider gets $5M federal loan guarantee
The grant to the Decatur County REMC is one of $1.4 billion in loan guarantees announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Vectren sending out big bills after underestimates
Several thousand Vectren electricity customers in Indiana are facing huge bills after the company underestimated what they owed over the summer.
Plan to form reservoir planning board put on hold
A vote on the creation of a board to oversee plans for a proposed reservoir on the White River in central Indiana has been put on an indefinite hold.
Indiana Michigan Power plans $787M in upgrades
The utility said its plan includes replacing hundreds of miles of miles of electric cable and thousands of poles, along with upgrades to underground networks in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Elkhart and Muncie.
Environmental contractor plans $2.8M HQ in Westfield
Environmental contractor Thieneman Construction Inc. plans to build a $2.8 million headquarters in Westfield’s Custom Commerce Park, more than doubling its staff there over the next decade.
Votes delayed on forming agency for planned lake
Project advocate Rob Sparks said he's asked the Madison County Council to push back consideration of the proposed Mounds Lake Commission until at least next month.
Duke Energy: Payments mistakenly reported late
Duke Energy is notifying customers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio that it's taking steps to correct some of their monthly payments that were mistakenly being reported as late.
Energy Department predicts lower heating bills this winter
Milder temperatures should cut heating bills this winter, as few expect a return of the deep freeze that chilled much of the nation last year.
NiSource to split into two publicly traded companies
Merrillville-based NiSource will continue to provide natural gas and electricity to more than 3 million customers, while Houston-based Columbia Pipeline Group will own 15,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines.
Lykins stepping down as Citizens CEO in 2015
Carey Lykins has been with Citizens for 42 years, including the past nine as president and CEO. He joined the local utility group as a cashier in 1973 when it was known as Citizens Gas & Coke Utility.
New area code on tap for Indianapolis region
The telecommunications industry wants to add a new area code for the parts of central Indiana covered by 317. The bottom line for all residents: 10-digit dialing would be required for local calls.
Second solar farm slated for Indy airport
Airport officials have agreed to lease about 76 acres of land at the airport to the same private developers who created the current, 44,000-panel field by the Interstate 70 exit.
State energy trade association replaces longtime leader
The Indiana Energy Association has appointed former Northern Indiana Public Service Co. President Mark Maassel as president, succeeding longtime leader Ed Simcox, the organization announced Thursday.
Renault teams with Bollore to promote electric cars
Renault SA is teaming up with French billionaire Vincent Bollore to make electric cars as the two struggle to establish a market for the emission-free vehicles, including one in Indianapolis.
Court: IURC erred in approving Duke fee hike
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Monday that state utility regulators wrongly approved $61 million in ratepayer fees for the Edwardsport coal gasification plant.
IPL begins construction on $600M power plant
IPL says the plant, adjacent to the Eagle Valley Generating Station, will generate 671 megawatts of electricity more efficiently and with fewer emissions than the retiring coal-fired plant.
Pence fills opening on Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
James Huston fills a vacancy on the IURC created in May when James Atterholt, who had been the panel's chairman, stepped down to become Pence's chief of staff.