Indiana Michigan Power's Largest Solar Farm Approved by Michigan Public Service Commission

Strategic Insights -

The Michigan Public Service Commission has given the green light to Indiana Michigan Power's plan to build its biggest solar farm yet, the Lake Trout solar plant, which will be capable of powering up to 73,500 homes in Michigan and Indiana. The 2,278 MW nuclear generation and 35 MW large-scale solar generation are part of I&M's commitment to add more clean-energy resources and achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2045. Key Highlights:

  • Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) serves over 600,000 customers and is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • I&M has a diverse generation portfolio, including nuclear, wind, hydro, and solar power, with over 80% of its 2022 energy being carbon-emission free.
  • American Electric Power (AEP), I&M's parent company, operates the nation's largest electricity transmission system and has a diverse generating capacity of approximately 31,000 megawatts, including over 6,900 megawatts of renewable energy.
  • The Lake Trout solar power plant will play a key role in fulfilling I&M's Integrated Resource Plan and AEP's commitment to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2045.
  • I&M has contracted with EDF Renewables to construct the Lake Trout solar plant, which is expected to generate power by 2026.
  • The Michigan commission previously approved plans for three additional northern Indiana solar power plants, including Mayapple in Pulaski County and the Elkhart County Plant.
  • The diversity of generation sources increases I&M's flexibility to better serve customers by having options to address future changes in regulatory policies and price volatility of energy prices for the various forms of generation.

Statistics:

  • Indiana Michigan Power serves over 600,000 customers.
  • I&M has over 2,000 employees; 80% of the energy it generated in 2022 was emission-free.
  • The Lake Trout solar power plant will be capable of powering up to 73,500 homes.
  • American Electric Power operates the nation's largest electricity transmission system.
  • AEP has over 17,000 employees and around 224,000 miles of distribution lines.
  • AEP has a diverse generating capacity of approximately 31,000 megawatts, including over 6,900 megawatts of renewable energy.

Sources:

  • ["Michigan Public Service Commission Approves I&M Solar Plant Plan," by Indiana Michigan Power, on December 26, 2017]