CenterPoint Energy Inc.’s Indiana-based electric utility business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, has received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to enter into two power purchase agreements (PPA) for an additional 335 MW of solar energy as part of the next component in the company’s long-term electric generation transition plan.
The PPAs include 185 MW of solar energy under a 15 year PPA from Oriden which is developing Vermillion County’s solar project. 150 MWs of power under a 20-year PPA by Origis Energy which is developing a Knox County, Ind. solar project.
“The additional energy obtained through these PPAs will further CenterPoint Energy’s Smart Energy Future strategy and continue our efforts to bring clean energy to the communities we serve,” says Steve Greenley, senior vice president of generation development for CenterPoint Energy. “We appreciate the continued efforts of Oriden and Origis Energy as they bring these projects to fruition and thank their leadership teams as well as the community partners in Vermillion and Knox Counties.”
The PPAs represent the next component of the company’s Smart Energy Future Plan to support stakeholder sustainability goals and implement a cost-effective, well-balanced energy mix for its 150,000 customers in southwest Indiana as outlined in its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). CenterPoint Energy is determined to achieve its Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions reductions of net zero by 2035. This will be achieved by expanding its renewable resources.
CenterPoint Energy’s IRP includes a plan for a portfolio with nearly two-thirds of energy generated from renewable resources and includes flexible generation to meet seasonal peak loads. The portfolio is designed to ensure reliability and save electric customers $320 million over the 20 year planning period. The company was previously approved to acquire a Posey County solar array and another PPA in Warrick County. CenterPoint Energy is still waiting for an order regarding the application to approve two natural gas combustion turbines. These turbines will replace parts of its coal-fired generation fleet.
CenterPoint Energy provides electricity to approximately 150,000 customers throughout southwest Indiana. This includes all or portions of Gibson and Dubois counties, Pike, Posey and Spencer. Services and programs are offered under the brand CenterPoint Energy, Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Indiana South.