Industrial-solar-farm boom hits Hoosier backlash
Thousands of acres of farmland are being developed or eyed for massive solar farms that would install hundreds of thousands of solar panels as far as the eye can see. And not everyone is pleased.
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EPA rejects tougher air pollutant standards on soot
In its decision, the Environmental Protection Agency maintained that the Obama-era levels, set in 2012, are adequately protective of human health.
After years of decline, coal industry pushes back
Coal is rebranding itself from a dirty, low-tech fuel into a reliable source of energy. And it might have powerful friends in the Indiana General Assembly in that effort.
Indiana panel passes energy report some say could lead to coal bailout
The 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force, which was set up to guide lawmakers in crafting a long-term energy plan, voted 11-4 on a series of findings and non-binding recommendations.
Groups say energy recommendations could slow Indiana’s transition away from coal
A state energy task force is considering a sweeping array of measures that seem to favor existing large-scale utilities, many of which still burn coal, over providers of renewable energy.
Residents seek clout in 5G pole placements
Telecom companies are putting 5G antennas by the hundreds in neighborhoods across Indianapolis, escalating tensions with residents who complain they have little say over where they’re built.
Millions of Americans risk losing power, water as unpaid utility bills pile up
In Indiana, more than 112,000 households are behind 120 days or more on their power bills, a Washington Post analysis of the largest local energy companies’ records found.
IPL to pay $1.5M fine to settle Petersburg pollution issues
The Indianapolis-based utility said it also will spend $5 million to mitigate what critics say has been harm to the environment caused by the plant’s excess emissions over the years.
Consumer advocate: Plan won’t credit Indiana solar customers enough
The Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor is recommending state regulators deny a utility’s request to compensate customers with solar panels less for extra energy they send back into the power grid.
Electric-vehicle subscription service launched in Indianapolis market
The service started by the parent company of Indianapolis Power & Light offers monthly subscriptions that cover use of a car, plus all insurance and maintenance costs.
State slaps NIPSCO with record-breaking $1.1 million safety fine
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission cited the utility for instances of failing to locate or mark underground pipelines within two days of a request being made, as is required in advance of any excavation work.
Indiana regulators rule utilities can’t charge consumers for lost revenue during pandemic
Monday’s ruling followed a huge uproar from ratepayers and elected officials, who widely criticized utilities for their request to charge customers for electricity they didn’t use when demand slowed down during health crisis lockdowns.
Utilities face major pushback over pandemic-relief request
More than 2,300 people have complained by email to the Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor, which is on track to become the largest number of complaints for any single case in at least a decade.
Indiana regulators agree to hear utility request to raise rates in wake of pandemic losses
Two weeks after 10 Indiana utilities asked state regulators for permission to charge ratepayers for millions of dollars in revenue the utilities stand to lose because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has agreed to consider the matter.
Indiana utilities seek approval to charge consumers for revenue lost as result of pandemic
Ten gas and electric utilities, including Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and Duke Energy Inc., filed a joint petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, saying they expect to see “significantly reduced load and revenue.”
IPL gets OK to spend $1.2B on grid upgrade, setting stage for seven years of rate increases
IPL said a typical household customer would likely pay an extra $1.50 a month in the first year. That monthly amount would increase by $1.50 each year, or by a total of $10.50 a month by the seventh year.
Indiana House passes bill to slow utilities from shutting down coal plants
The bill’s opponents call the legislation a “coal-bailout bill,” designed to prop up the state’s struggling coal industry just as utilities are preparing to shut down aging coal plants.
Indianapolis-based Miller Pipeline sold as part of $850M deal
CenterPoint Energy Inc. has agreed to sell two subsidiaries, including Indianapolis-based Miller Pipeline, for $850 million to infrastructure services provider PowerTeam Services LLC, the companies announced Monday. Miller Pipeline employs more than 3,500 people.
House panel approves bill that would prohibit utilities from shutting down coal-fired plants
The bill’s sponsor said coal mines around the nation are closing at an alarming rate, putting the reliability and stability of the electricity sector in question. Opponents say the measure would put handcuffs on Indiana utiltities, which preparing to shift to cleaner fuel sources.
Indiana utilities would be prevented from shutting down coal-fired plants under new bill
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, comes as several large Indiana utilities are planning to shut down thousands of megawatts of coal-fired generating capacity in coming years in favor of cleaner or cheaper fuel sources.