A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 to take comments on a proposed NIPSCO electric generating facility. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. CT at the La Porte Civic Auditorium at 1001 Ridge Street.
According to information provided, NIPSCO is seeking IURC approval to build and operate a 400-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant at the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station site near Wheatfield, including recovery of costs through electric rates. The proposed plant would replace a portion of the electric generating capacity from the coal fired Schahfer station, which is scheduled for retirement in 2025.
In its testimony, NIPSCO estimates the construction and financing costs at approximately $643.7 million. The utility is seeking Commission approval to recover construction and financing costs as they are incurred, adjusting rates as frequently as every six months.
Natural gas rates, charges, and service are not at issue in this case.
NIPSCO initiated this case in September 2023 and revised its request in January 2024.
In its review, the OUCC is focused primarily on whether the proposed facility would provide the most cost-effective means for the utility to meet its generation needs for current and future customers, is consistent with the utility’s long-term generation planning, and whether NIPSCO’s proposed rate recovery is reasonable.
If written comments would like to be submitted in this matter, comments may be submitted by email at uccinfo@oucc.in.gov, or by mail at:
Public Comments
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH
Indianapolis, IN 46204
All written comments are due to officials by April 9, 2024.
