Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), announced that its first two Indiana-based solar projects – Indiana Crossroads and Dunns Bridge I Solar – are online and operating, producing more cost-effective, cleaner energy for homes and businesses across Indiana.
“The addition of our first solar parks to our electric generating portfolio represent meaningful
investments in the state of Indiana and a direct benefit to our customers,” said Mike Hooper,
NIPSCO President. “These completed projects are a crucial step in advancing our long-term energy
transition plan, providing sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy now and into the future.”
Indiana Crossroads Solar is a 200-megawatt (MW) facility located in White County, Ind., which was
developed and constructed by EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA). Indiana Crossroads Solar
will be a major economic boon to the state and to White County bringing $2.6 million in Economic
Development Agreement funds that are available for the county to use for priority projects and
other special projects. The solar park is also expected to contribute more than $42 million in
property tax payments over the 35-year life of the project, helping to reduce the property tax
burden on other families and businesses in White County.
“We are pleased to have completed the Indiana Crossroads Solar Park, which is one of five renewable energy projects EDP Renewables and NIPSCO have collaborated on in Indiana,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, EDP Renewables North America Chief Executive Officer. “Indiana Crossroads Solar is a shining example of how clean energy projects bring investment and economic benefits to Hoosier communities and the state of Indiana while contributing to the energy transition.”
Dunns Bridge I Solar is a 265 MW facility located in Jasper County, Ind. near NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer
Generating Station, which is expected to be retired in 2025. This facility is the first of a two-part
solar project. Dunns Bridge II, located in Jasper and Starke counties and currently under
construction, is expected to produce 435 MW of solar paired with 75 MW of battery storage.
Dunns Bridge I & II are expected to generate approximately $59 million in additional tax revenue
for Jasper and Starke counties over the life of the facility. Learn more about Dunns Bridge I & II at
Both the Dunns Bridge I and Indiana Crossroads solar projects are partially funded through tax
equity investments. By using a tax equity investor that is currently able to utilize the tax benefits
more efficiently, along with utilizing tax benefits afforded under the Inflation Reduction Act,
NIPSCO is able to provide electricity to customers at a lower cost versus traditional ownership of
the projects. NIPSCO evaluates the most efficient use of tax benefits on a project-by-project basis.
NIPSCO’s electric generation transition toward a more balanced and reliable portfolio* – including
its plans to retire all its remaining coal-fired units – is driven by real-world data and economics
derived from Indiana’s Integrated Resource Plan process and subsequent request for proposals
(RFPs). NIPSCO has also performed ongoing analysis of current market conditions and changes in
market rules, which support NIPSCO’s current generation transition path. The company plans to be
coal-free by 2028, driving a reduction in carbon emissions by more than 90% by 2030, compared to
a 2005 baseline.
NIPSCO’s in-service wind projects are performing well, and 100 percent of the excess power sales
and renewable energy credit (REC) sales from these existing renewable projects and our existing
generation fleet currently goes back to customers, which is nearly $60 million since 2021.
