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Utilities
Articles
Ratepayer protection agency recommends against Duke’s coal-to-gas push
The state agency tasked with protecting utility consumers has asked regulators to reject Duke Energy Indiana’s plan to retire two coal-powered units and replace them with new natural gas units.
Bill to boost energy generation, nuclear manufacturing moves to governor
The bill will expedite approval processes for large-load customers like data centers and create cost- recovery mechanisms for projects utilities take on to serve those big customers.
Braun signs orders calling for state water management plan, Rare Earth Recovery Council
Gov. Mike Braun’s new executive orders require the state to develop a statewide water inventory and management plan, and establish a body that will spearhead efforts to reclaim rare earth elements from legacy coal byproducts.
Utility customer advocates say protections inadequate in large-load users, nuclear development bill
The legislation would expedite approval processes for large-load customers like data centers and set out cost-recovery mechanisms for projects utilities undertake to serve those big customers.
GOP-backed bill to increase oversight of Indiana water projects gets early support in committee
The measure would require a utility or large private-sector project leader to obtain an approval permit before carrying out a project where significant amounts of water are moved from one water basin in the state to another.
While Indiana attracts more data centers, legislators look to add guardrails
In the last year, multiple Big Tech companies have announced four major Indiana developments totaling more than $14 billion, prompting state lawmakers to look for ways to address the intense energy demand.
Solar energy group nabs $117M to help underserved communities, low-income residents
Residents could have solar panels installed on their rooftops. Or a renter could subscribe to community solar “micro-grids” that can reduce their bills.
Judge blocks ‘right of first refusal’ law on electric transmission projects as MISO readies to OK bids
U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt ruled that an act signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2023 that gives local utilities the right of first refusal on electric transmission projects discriminates against interstate commerce.
Zionsville Town Council considers residential wastewater rate hike
Zionsville residents would see their monthly sewer rate increase for the first time in 14 years if a proposed ordinance is passed.
Indiana ratepayer advocates hail ‘landmark’ settlement with data centers, utility company
If state regulators approve the settlement, it’ll also apply to new industrial customers with large electric loads.
State receives $196M loan from EPA for water projects
Funding will go toward updating aging water systems and replacing lead pipes, building and expanding water systems in growing areas and improving cybersecurity systems.
Key lawmaker signals opposition to coal plant anti-closure proposal
Hoosier coal advocates pushing for a ban on early coal-fired plant retirements have found allies among Senate leaders. But a key House lawmaker on Thursday publicly signaled opposition.
Consumer group calls for moratorium on new electricity-guzzling data centers in Indiana
Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana said the huge new data centers planned in the state could lead to skyrocketing utility bills while providing few jobs relative to their energy consumption and the incentives they receive.
Indiana utilities earn collective ‘C’ grade on clean-energy goals
One Indiana utility company earned top marks and another pair nabbed no points in a national clean-energy assessment by the left-leaning Sierra Club.
Proposed Citizens LEAP pipeline approved for $325M in state loans
The Indiana Finance Authority approved the loans to support the proposed extension of the Citizens Energy system to provide 25 million gallons of water per day to the LEAP Lebanon Innovation District and surrounding Boone County developments.
State utility counselor urges regulators to slash Duke Energy’s rate hike request
Duke Energy Indiana, the state’s largest electric utility, in April filed a request with state regulators for permission to raise rates by about 16% over two years.
U.S. says cyberattacks against water supplies are rising
The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday issued an alert urging water systems to take immediate actions to protect the nation’s drinking water.
New EPA rules target coal ash ponds for cleanup
For the first time, federal regulations will cover the nearly 50 dumps spread across 14 locations in Indiana that were previously exempted from cleanup provisions.
GOP gubernatorial candidates promise coal boost, utility regulator shakeups
The candidates overwhelmingly promised a renewed focus on coal—and pushback to federal restrictions—in a survey from a fossil fuels-oriented advocacy group.