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Indiana Michigan Power seeks new solar, wind, natural gas generation

I&M said it is in the process of a “major” transformation of its generating mix.
Indiana Michigan Power seeks new solar, wind, natural gas generation
(Source: Indiana Michigan Power Company).

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an American Electric Power (AEP) company, has filed plans with Michigan regulators for additional generation resources, including solar, wind and natural gas.

I&M submitted the following plans to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC):

  • Elkhart County: Solar, 100 MW
  • Hoosier Line: Solar, 180 MW
  • Meadow Lake: Wind, 100 MW
  • Lawrenceburg: Natural Gas. 143 MW

Lawrenceburg will serve as a capacity-only agreement, which enables I&M to buy capacity and not the energy produced. 143 MW represents a Michigan-specific contract value. Plans for these projects were also submitted by I&M to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) in June 2024.

I&M will purchase the power generated from the independently operated wind and solar power plants. Both solar generation plants will be built by private developers.

Previously announced in 2022, the Elkhart County Solar Plant details have been updated for the 2024 filing. Plans before the MPSC would also provide I&M the ability to include 143 MW of generation capacity from an existing natural gas facility in Dearborn County, near Lawrenceburg, Ind.

“I&M is committed to fully supplying the energy needs of our customers now and into the future,” said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating officer. “Our goal is to develop and reliably operate a robust energy portfolio, with a focus on resource adequacy, affordability and environmental sustainability.”

I&M said it is in the process of a “major” generation transformation. If approved, these resources would complement I&M’s current clean-energy generation, which includes five solar power plants; wind power from four plants; six hydro-electric plants; and the Cook Nuclear Plant. I&M also continues the development of two additional solar facilities, totaling 469 MW, previously approved by both the IURC and MPSC. I&M’s coal-fueled plant in Rockport, Ind., will be fully retired in 2028. More than 85% of energy I&M generated in 2023 was carbon-emission free.