Merritt loses job as railroad exec, a role critics called conflict
As chairman of Senate Utilities Committee, Sen. James Merritt supported numerous bills favored by big utilities, the railroad’s biggest customer. Now he’s out of a job.
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Duke Energy reports increase in billing scams
The utility says that customers are being threatened with having their power cut off unless a quick payment is made.
Duke plans 145-acre solar farm at Crane base
The project's plans call for 76,000 solar panels, with groundbreaking set for this spring so that power generation can start by the end of 2016.
Edwardsport plant foes finally reach settlement with Duke
Duke Energy’s settlement with four consumer and environmental groups likely means an end to all serious opposition to the $3.3 billion plant, one of the most expensive projects in Indiana history, which has been mired for years in controversy.
U.S regulator upholds complaint over Midwest power auction
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said in a ruling that changes should be made to the Midwest Independent System Operator Inc.’s forward capacity auctions. Carmel-based MISO manages the electricity network for 15 U.S. states.
Water bills would rise under Citizens rate settlement
The average bill for Citizens Energy’s residential customers in the Indy metro area would jump from about $30 per month to $35.
Duke Energy battles to fend off cyberattacks
The country’s largest electricity company is on alert for attacks that aim to hamper the critical flow of power and is listening to U.S. intelligence agencies about potential threats.
Duke Energy revises $2B plan to upgrade Indiana electrical grid
Duke, which serves 810,000 customers in the state, says the new plan would raise rates by 6 percent between 2017 and 2022. The IURC rejected its original proposal in May.
Lebanon OKs 32 percent bump in wastewater bills
The increase, which takes effect Jan. 1, marks the first time the utility has hiked wastewater rates since 2005.
EPA intends tougher downwind air-pollution rule in 23 states
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed tougher new limits on Tuesday on smokestack emissions from nearly two dozen states—including Indiana—that burden downwind areas with air pollution from power plants.
Groups push Pence to work on state energy plan as court considers EPA rule
There is a growing sentiment here among key energy leaders—even from those who oppose the EPA plan—that the state should develop its own compliance plan that focuses on realistic strategies to decrease carbon emissions and diversify its energy mix.
Consumer group: Citizens water hike could cause ‘rate shock’
The Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor is asking state regulators to approve just about half the rate increase Citizens Energy Group wants to charge water customers.
Utility counselor recommends against Vectren plan approval
The state office that represents consumer interests in utility matters says Vectren's energy-efficiency proposal seeks to recover more costs than necessary from its customers.
Solar farm planned near Anderson airport
The 53-acre project near Anderson Municipal Airport is among several being developed by the Indiana Municipal Power Agency in communities where it provides electricity.
U.S., local forecasts call for lower heating bills this winter
Heating bills should drop this winter for most U.S. households thanks to a combination of lower energy prices and warmer weather.
State facing steep bill to keep water systems running
Much of the infrastructure that transports water from municipal drinking water plants in Indiana to homes and businesses is old and worn, and the state faces significant costs to complete needed upgrades, repairs and expansions.
Notre Dame to reduce carbon footprint after pope’s plea
Notre Dame President John Jenkins plans to announce Monday that the university will spend $113 million on renewable energy sources, including a hydroelectric project, solar power and geothermal fields.
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.
Carmel to consider water, sewer rate increases
Standard & Poor’s just reduced the bond rating on the utility’s debt based on concerns about revenue and a low cash balance in the funds.
Connersville’s award-winning water could be bottled for sale
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water recently named Connersville as having the best-tasting water in Indiana. The city’s economic development agency is looking into bottling that award-winning water.