Indiana utilities must assess unused grid connections for power needs

An electric utility must assess whether unused connection service could meet immediate power needs at its own facilities as part of its resource plan. This applies to electric utilities listed in the cited Indiana rule and their integrated resource plans. The utility must assess its own facilities with more than 20 megawatts of unused connection service. It may seek information about third-party facilities and include results only if it receives information about viable opportunities. This applies to resource plans filed after December 31, 2029.

The utility commission must study potential uses of unused connection service and report its findings. The study concerns how utilities could use unused connection service to serve Indiana customers and the power system in Indiana and the region. The study must consider existing and planned power lines and projected demand growth. The commission may consult utilities, regulators, customer advocates, experts, and other groups. The commission must include its findings in the annual report it submits before October 1, 2027.

When reviewing certain power facility proposals, the commission must consider whether unused connection service was analyzed or would be used. This applies to petitions to build, buy, or lease an electricity generating facility. The commission considers whether the applicant analyzed using unused connection service as an alternative to, or alongside, the proposed project, and whether the project would use or allow its use. This applies to petitions submitted after December 31, 2029.