Questions About Moving Away from Coal as Fuel Source, AES Indiana Weighs In

Source: WISH-TV

STATEWIDE –AES Indiana could be the first large utility in Indiana to abandon coal as a fuel source, but it is still waiting to get approval from state utility regulators.

If that change is approved, AES Indiana is poised for a $300 million conversion of the plant to burn natural gas. Experts believe natural gas is both cheaper and somewhat cleaner fuel.

Earlier this month, AES Indiana said they are making $1.1 billion in investments into Pike County’s energy future from 2024 to 2026. Those include the repowering of Petersburg Generating Station Units 3 and 4 from coal to natural gas.

The coal industry has responded with criticism saying that AES Indiana’s Petersburg projects will increase the bills for customers without generating new grid capacity.

“AES Indiana is a trusted local partner and leader in advancing clean energy,” said Petersburg Mayor R.C. Klipsch. “Our community is supportive of AES Indiana’s diverse energy projects which contribute to our local economic growth and improve environmental impact. With their planned investments of approximately $1.1 billion in Petersburg and Pike County from 2024 to 2026, AES Indiana continues to be a partner-of-choice by strengthening its commitment to our city and local workforce.”

In a recent interview with Inside Indiana Business, AES Indiana’s CEO Brandi Davis-Handy said it is important for utilities to focus on more than one energy source.

“The reality is sometimes the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow. So having additional fuel resources to rely on is important for us being able to keep our commitment to reliability,” said Davis-Handy.

Davis-Handy said in this age of energy transition, it will be successful only if utility companies collaborate with one another.

“I think right now we’re sharing best practices and learning from each other. This is new for all of us. The electric grid is the backbone of our state and nation’s economy. There is an opportunity for historic growth for our company and the state of Indiana,” said Davis-Handy.

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