NIPSCO this week submitted their plans to continue providing energy to its customers to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
The plan is required to show just how the utility service provider will be supplying energy over the next 20 years or so. The plan often addresses changing consumer habits, population and business development, and projected energy demand.
The process is conducted every two years by NIPSCO and involves meetings with the public and environmental organizations. Months of analysis is conducted by NIPSCO to ensure their projections meet standards.
Since August, officials with NIPSCO have concluded that they will be ceasing energy production at four of its seven coal-fired power plants. The company says they will provide ongoing work opportunities for the employees at the coal plants as they begin ceasing production.
The impact of this will likely be seen in Porter County and in Wheatfield at the Bailly and R.M. Schahfer Generating Station between 2018 and 2023.
Due to the relatively low prices of natural gas, NIPSCO says its energy portfolio is already shifting away from the use of coal. Currently NIPSCO operates three coal-fired generating stations, one natural gas, two hydroelectric facilities, and purchased wind power.
