Electric-grid facility in Carmel suffers $11M in damages
In a filing earlier this month, the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. told federal regulators that a mechanical failure in September contaminated the data center.
Utilities
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Utility exec: Coal-gas plant’s ‘time has passed’
A utility executive told a legislative committee Tuesday that a drop in natural gas prices as a result of the nation's shale-gas boom have made a proposed southern Indiana coal-gasification plant a project "whose time has passed."
Indy battens down hatches for Super Bowl security
From pickpockets and prostitutes to dirty bombs and exploding manhole covers, authorities are bracing for whatever threat the first Super Bowl in downtown Indianapolis might bring.
ProLiance might go on block
Indianapolis-based ProLiance, a natural-gas marketer and supplier, was singed by a $57.2 million pretax loss in the first nine months of 2011, causing some analysts to wonder if majority owner Vectren Corp. will try to sell its 61-percent stake in the company.
Bill seeks elected utility consumer counselor
A legislator is proposing that Indiana’s utility consumer counselor be elected rather than appointed by the governor.
EEOC alleges discrimination at Midwest ISO
A Carmel-based power grid operator violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by firing a woman who suffered from post-partum depression, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges in a lawsuit filed Friday.
Unions approve deal with gas utility Vectren North
The firm says 270 union workers will soon be back on the job after they ratified a new three-year labor agreement.
State unlikely to revive natural-gas grandeur
Indiana was once the world’s capital for natural-gas production, but recent advances in drilling and resource-recovery technology are not likely to revive those glory days anytime soon because of a combination of human-made and natural obstructions.
Vectren locks out union workers in dispute
Vectren has locked out 270 union workers at several Indiana worksites after the union rejected a proposed three-year-contract.
Attorney general cheers death of federal cellphone measure
Attorney General Greg Zoeller had testified against the legislation, which would have allowed robocalls to cellphones, at a congressional hearing.
Utility counselor seeks reprieve on coal plant emissions
In a letter to the EPA, Indiana's utility consumer counselor says the three-year timetable threatens the safety and reliability of Indiana's power supply while ignoring the high cost of compliance.
Consultant: IPL’s downtown network needs closer eye
Atlanta firm says IPL underground system "well designed and regularly maintained" but may need upgrades to avoid more explosions.
Grand jury indicts former state utilities chief Hardy
David Lott Hardy, who was fired from his job as chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in 2010, is accused of official misconduct.
Downtown getting blast-resistant manhole covers
Utility crews are installing about 100 new manhole covers in downtown Indianapolis that are designed to reduce the extent of damage from underground explosions and fires.
Midwest ISO announces $6.5B in electric grid improvements
The Carmel-based not-for-profit’s long-term plan recommends 215 new transmission infrastructure projects to improve reliability of its electric grid.
Jury awards $27M in damages over propane explosion
A jury has held a utility liable for $27 million in damages over a propane explosion at a central Indiana horse farm that killed a man and injured three family members.
Regulators approve deal on $2.65B gasification plant
Indiana regulators have approved plans for a $2.65 billion coal gasification plant at the Ohio River city of Rockport and a state agency's 30-year contract to buy its synthetic natural gas.
Indiana expands probe into Indy manhole blasts
Indiana utility regulators are expanding a third-party review of Indianapolis manhole explosions to include the latest two blasts.
Citizens to convert downtown steam plant from coal to gas
Citizens Energy Group plans to switch the primary power source for its Perry K Steam Plant in downtown Indianapolis from coal to natural gas, the utility announced Wednesday. The conversion will cost about $9 million.
U.S. high court takes Indianapolis sewer case
The Supreme Court of the United States agreed Monday to review a case that questions whether the city of Indianapolis violated the U.S. Constitution in how it handled refunds for residents who paid assessments on local sewer projects.