After cyberattack, pipeline operator promises return by week’s end
The attack underscored the vulnerabilities of the nation’s energy sector and other critical industries whose infrastructure is largely privately owned.
Utilities
Articles
Duke Energy’s $2B deal with Singapore raises eyebrows
The huge investment by a foreign government is unprecedented for Indiana utilities, which typically raise capital through more traditional routes, such as selling debt through investment banks.
HG Ventures only investor outside Europe chosen to participate in UK initiative
HG Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Indianapolis-based The Heritage Group, announced on Thursday a partnership with Innovate UK to leverage HG Ventures investments in environmentally sustainable innovation in the United Kingdom. HG Ventures joins a handful of other venture groups in the program following a competitive selection process
Indiana utility fined record $1.1M for pipeline safety violations
The fine represents the third time since 2017 that NIPSCO has received a substantial fine for similar violations. The money the utility will pay for the fine will go into Indiana’s general fund.
IPL places big bet on a name change
One of Indianapolis’ oldest companies, Indianapolis Power & Light Co., is testing whether putting on a whole new look will help it get more recognition and affection than utilities’ normally see.
Texas power outages below 500,000, but water woes persist
Authorities ordered 7 million people—a quarter of the population of the nation’s second-largest state—to boil tap water before drinking it, following record low temperatures that damaged infrastructure and pipes.
Indiana should see some economic recovery this year, economist says
Indiana’s economy should start to recover this year from the damage of COVID-19, but the economy likely won’t fully rebound until late 2022 or early 2023, a Ball State University economist says.
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.
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.