Indiana Code §8-1-8.5-3.1(b) in 2019 ordered the Indiana Utility Regulatory Utility Commission (IURC) to conduct a study of statewide impacts of:
- Transitions in the fuel sources and other resources used to generate electricity by electric utilities; and
- New and emerging technologies on local grids or distribution infrastructure; on electric generation capacity, system reliability, system resilience, and cost of electric service for consumers. The IURC shall consider timelines for transitions in fuel sources and other resources and for implementation of new and emerging technologies.
State Utility Forecasting Group (SUFG), Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Indiana University researchers analyzed the changes. On August 14, 2020, the IURC published the 338-page report.
Key Takeaways from the Report
Globally, we are transitioning to a cleaner energy. Indiana’s cities that are focused on fossil fuel industries will experience job losses and changes of the community social makeup as they transition to cleaner energy. Benefits of cleaner energy practices are the cities will experience cleaner air, increased jobs in clean energy and reducing greenhouse gasses. Indiana is connected to many different states, so their decisions on electric resources will affect the electric systems across the country. It is mandatory for Indiana utilities and regional transmission organizations to share and use the information they have to offer to each other. The Commission can look for ways to make the relationship between utilities and regional transmission organizations more effective.
The IURC will publish their recommendations based on the report by December 31, 2020.
To access the 2020 report, click: https://www.in.gov/iurc/files/2020%20Report%20to%20the%2021st%20Century%20Energy%20Policy%20Development%20Task%20Force.pdf
Jeremy Fetty is a partner in the law firm of Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse with offices in Lebanon and Indianapolis. He often advises businesses and utilities (for profit, non-profit and cooperative) on organizational, human resources, and transactional matters and drafts and reviews commercial contracts.
The statements contained herein are matters of opinion and general information only and are not to be considered legal advice and should not be construed to form an attorney-client relationship. If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact an attorney.