of Indiana’s electrical grid in new bill
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2024) – State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) authored legislation to protect the reliability and resiliency of the state’s electrical grid as service providers transition to alternative energy sources.
According to the Indiana Utilities and Regulatory Commission 2023 Report, coal still powers 47% of the state’s electricity needs. Ledbetter said with more energy providers moving away from coal-fired electric generators and replacing them with less reliable energy sources, many fear the risks that severe storms and increased use of electricity may have on the electrical grid.
“I support Indiana’s efforts to increase its energy mix as long as we’re also looking out for Hoosiers when it comes to affordability and reliability,” Ledbetter said. “This bill would simply ensure that we have a slower and more reliable transition from coal to alternate energy sources without compromising our current grid.”
Ledbetter’s bill would require all utility companies retiring coal-fired units to get approval first from the IURC and prove the decision would save customers money. Ledbetter said her bill would prevent utility companies from retiring generating units too fast and without reliable and sustainable replacements.
In the last 10 years, nearly 30 coal-fired generation units were retired due to old age or environmental regulations, and almost 20 more are scheduled for decommission by 2035.
