Indiana Michigan Power to Build Largest Utility-Owned Solar Farm in Indiana

Indiana Michigan Power, an operating company of American Electric Power, has been approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission to build its largest solar farm to date, Lake Trout, near Montpelier, Ind. The plant will be capable of powering up to 73,500 homes and will be connected to the power grid serving both Michigan and Indiana. This move is part of I&M's commitment to add more clean-energy resources, contributing to the company's and its parent company AEP's goal of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2045.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lake Trout solar power plant will be the largest utility-owned solar plant not just for I&M but for the AEP system as well, with the ability to power up to 73,500 homes.
• The plant will be connected to the power grid serving both Michigan and Indiana, playing a key role in fulfilling the I&M Integrated Resource Plan previously filed with the MPSC.
• I&M has contracted with EDF Renewables to construct Lake Trout, with power generation expected to begin by 2026.
• The plant is part of I&M's commitment to add more clean-energy resources and contribute to the company's and AEP's net zero carbon dioxide emissions goal by 2045.
• I&M's clean-energy generation currently includes five solar power plants, four wind power plants, six hydro-electric plants, and the Cook Nuclear Plant.
• Over 80% of energy I&M generated in 2022 was carbon-emission free.

Statistics:

• 73,500 homes will be powered by the Lake Trout solar power plant.
• Power generation from Lake Trout is expected to begin by 2026.
• Over 80% of energy I&M generated in 2022 was carbon-emission free.
• 2,278 MW of nuclear generation is available in Michigan.
• 450 MW of purchased wind generation is available from Indiana.
• I&M has approximately 2,000 employees serving over 600,000 customers.

Sources:

• Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), press release, Dec. 27.
• American Electric Power, corporate website, aep.com.