Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO), based in Merrillville, Ind., has filed its 2007 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, citing a need for additional electric generating capacity from wind energy and combined-cycle gas turbines.
The 20-year plan includes several assumptions, NIPSCO says, including the probability of mandates requiring the reduction of carbon emissions, economic growth in the region and the expectation that the utility will be required to carry a 15% operating reserve.
In June, a request for proposals (RFP) was issued for NIPSCO to purchase additional electric generating power plants. An independent consultant for NIPSCO has evaluated the most viable options for acquiring one or more combined-cycle natural gas turbines, implementing a direct air conditioning load response program, establishing a photovoltaic rebate program and executing long-term purchased power agreements for 100 MW of wind power, the company says.
