(SULLIVAN COUNTY) - Indiana Michigan Power has filed with state regulators for permission to build a new natural gas power plant in southwest Indiana, saying the project is needed to meet sharply rising customer demand.
The utility is asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to move forward with the proposed Sycamore Riverside Energy Center in Sullivan County.
I&M says the facility would generate 918 megawatts through natural gas combustion turbines, providing on-demand electricity during periods of peak usage.
The company expects the commission to rule by the end of 2026. If approved on that timeline, I&M says it plans to begin operating the plant in 2029, once construction is completed.
Utility officials say the filing is part of the company's Future Ready Plan, which focuses on adding generation resources to keep service reliable and affordable as demand grows.
I&M says energy demand on its system is expected to double between 2024 and 2030, making additional capacity necessary.
The project was developed by Invenergy, which says this would be its third energy development in Sullivan County.
I&M also says the cost of the project would not interfere with its separate discussions before regulators involving a proposed reduction in base rates and a multi-year freeze on non-fuel rates for Indiana customers.