Merrillville-base NIPSCO is taking additional steps to provide electricity through clean energy sources.

The company, which serves about 460,000 electrical customers across northern Indiana, announced plans to acquire energy from two new central Indiana-based solar farms currently under development. The move is part of the utility’s Your Energy, Your Future initiative, which has a goal of delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.

“Renewable energy technology continues to advance and it plays an essential role in our progression toward providing lower-cost energy resources, while maintaining the reliability our customers expect,” said Mike Hooper, NIPSCO president. “This latest addition is another exciting step forward for our customers and the state of Indiana as we look toward the future.”

NIPSCO plans to be coal-free by 2028, and the company is adding a combination of renewable energy sources including wind, solar and battery storage technology to its existing natural gas generation resources. Several Indiana-based wind projects have previously been announced and construction activity is underway.

NIPSCO has finalized two 20-year purchase power agreements with subsidiaries of renewable energy developer NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, for the electricity generated by these latest solar projects. The new solar capacity is expected to be in operation by mid-2023 with the two announced projects representing approximately 300 megawatts of nameplate capacity.

NIPSCO said the two projects were selected following its review of bids submitted through its all source Request for Proposal process which it underwent in late 2019.

NIPSCO has requested the addition of these new projects to its supply portfolio in filings with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission:

• Brickyard Solar – The 200-megawatt solar project, to be developed, constructed, owned and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources will be located in Boone County. The project will include an estimated 675,000 solar panels. NIPSCO will purchase the power directly from Brickyard Solar.
• Greensboro Solar – This solar project, to be developed, constructed, owned and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, will provide 100 megawatts of solar, along with 30 megawatts of battery storage, in Henry County. The project will include an estimated 329,500 solar panels. NIPSCO will purchase the power directly from Greensboro Solar.