Industrial power users fighting to get off grid
Indiana’s manufacturers and municipal utilities are preparing to wage a battle with investor-owned power companies in their desire to get a handle on rising electricity costs.
Energy Efficiency
Articles
CHAMPION OF INNOVATION: Consultant helps companies see green in ‘green’
Vasiliki ‘Vicki’ Keramida isn’t big on multitasking. A nationally recognized environmental engineering expert, she believes the only way to find innovative solutions to a Big Problem is to give it your undivided attention.
Savings from Indiana energy-efficiency law could be small
A new law aimed at decreasing energy usage in Indiana might not save consumers money as advertised and could leave the state at risk of violating federal emissions rules, environmentalists say.
Man accused of $90M biodiesel scam pleads guilty
The ringleader of a $90 million biodiesel scam has agreed to plead guilty to 37 felony counts including conspiracy and wire fraud in a deal with federal prosecutors.
Energy-efficiency bill headed to Pence for signature
Senate Bill 412, authored by Sen. Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, is meant to replace the costly Energizing Indiana program, which the General Assembly canceled last year over the objections of environmental groups.
House panel passes utility energy-efficiency bill
An Indiana House committee has approved a proposal that would reduce state oversight of the energy-efficiency programs of major utilities.
IPL’s pitch: Tie less of bill to energy usage
No matter how little energy customers use, Indianapolis Power & Light would be guaranteed more revenue under a recent proposal to raise rates and fees.
EnerDel regroups after missing job targets
EnerDel Inc. is regrouping under a strategy of targeting niche markets, as Indianapolis and Hancock County officials press executives about the firm’s future and former pledges of local investment and job creation that failed to pan out.
Utility watchdog: Ending efficiency program ‘short-sighted’
The leader of Citizens Action Coalition said Indiana lawmakers put the state at a disadvantage when they passed a bill killing an energy-efficiency program that could have helped the state meet the new federal carbon-emission goal by 2030.
IPL wants rate hike to fund car-sharing charging stations
Mayor Greg Ballard’s hope of making Indianapolis the first U.S. city with an all-electric car- sharing service hinges on a rate hike to cover $16 million in costs to Indianapolis Power and Light.
Pence lets bill ending Energize Indiana become law
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will let a bill that eliminates an energy-conservation program become law without his signature, prompting harsh words from environmental leaders who opposed the bill.
Big businesses fight over Indiana energy program
Two giant corporations that sell products that save electricity want Gov. Mike Pence to veto a bill that would halt the program called Energizing Indiana.
Lawmakers vote to put Energizing Indiana program on hold
A bill that would sideline the state’s energy-efficiency program was sent to the governor Monday, but Indiana lawmakers are still mulling bills that would relax gun regulations in school parking lots and make some welfare recipients undergo drug-testing.
Hamilton County planning to test CNG-fueled vehicles
Hamilton County commissioners aren’t just working on a plan to install rooftop solar panels on some public buildings. They’re also looking to take their energy-savings efforts on the road, with vehicles that run on compressed natural gas.
Indiana House OKs bill to end efficiency program
The bill's author, Sen. Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, said he's going to take the next few days to review the House's changes before determining whether to ask the Senate to approve it or send the bill to a conference committee to restore its original wording.
Eco-friendly lighting firm gains wattage after recession
Eco Lighting Solutions in Fishers designs and sells induction lighting, which costs less to install than LED and requires less energy than fluorescent. Induction lights work a lot like cheaper fluorescent ones, but don’t burn out as quickly.
IndyGo to use $10M grant for all-electric buses
IndyGo will use a $10 million federal grant to convert 22 city buses to all-electric power. Each bus will cost about $550,000 to convert and will have a range of about 100 miles.
Utilities fall short on efficiency spending
Indiana’s largest power companies are set to reimburse their customers $32 million after falling short on spending for energy efficiency last year.
Anderson loses ‘Tree City’ status after 21 years
Anderson's title, first granted in 1991, appears to have been lost due to issues with paperwork. The status is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation and others to recognize cities with viable tree-management plans and programs.
Bloomington earns green distinction for city hall
Other than bragging rights and a plaque on the wall, what’s the value of energy and environmental design certification for the city and taxpayers?