(INDIANA) - State regulators have approved Indiana Michigan Power's plan to boost electricity generation as demand across the region is expected to nearly double by the end of the decade.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission signed off Wednesday on I&M's Expedited Generation Resource Plan, a fast-track process created by state lawmakers in 2025 for utilities facing major growth. I&M says demand on its system could increase by nearly 100 percent by 2030, driven in part by large projects such as the Google data center planned for Fort Wayne.
Instead of relying primarily on new natural gas plants, the approved plan shifts toward a mix of energy sources. That includes natural gas, renewable energy like wind and solar, battery storage, and power purchase agreements.
I&M says the strategy is designed to limit impacts on customers by spreading costs over time, avoiding charges for unfinished power plants, and using revenue from large commercial customers to offset expenses.
As part of the approval, I&M must publicly disclose project costs and explain how they affect electric bills. The company will also be required to report the financial impact of large customers to state regulators in future filings.
The plan also includes a proposal for a "virtual power plant" program, which would allow customers to connect personal energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels, directly to the grid.
State regulators say the plan balances reliability, transparency and affordability as Indiana prepares for rapid growth in electricity demand.