Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO)subsidiary NiSource Inc.which is one of the largest fully regulated utilities in the United States, has its first two Indiana-based solar projects – Indiana Crossroads and Dunns Bridge I Solar – online and operational.
“These completed projects are a critical step in advancing our long-term energy transition plan, providing sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy now and into the future,” said Mike Hooper, president of NIPSCO.
Indiana Crossroads Solar is a 200 MW facility located in White County, Ind., developed and built by EDP ​​Renewables North America (EDPR NA). Indiana Crossroads Solar is a major financial boon for the state and White County, bringing in $2.6 million in economic development agreement funds available to the county for priority projects and other special projects. The solar park is also expected to pay more than $42 million in property tax payments over the project’s 35 years, helping to reduce the property tax burden on other families and businesses in White County.
Dunns Bridge I Solar is a 265 MW facility located in Jasper County, India. It is near NIPSCO’s RM Schahfer Generating Station, which is expected to be decommissioned in 2025. This facility is the first of a two-pronged solar project. Located in Jasper and Starke counties and currently under construction, Dunns Bridge II is expected to generate 435 MW of solar power and 75 MW of battery storage. Dunns Bridge I & II is expected to generate approximately $59 million in additional tax revenue for Jasper and Starke counties over the life of the facility.
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 tax benefits more efficiently, as well as utilizing tax benefits under the Inflation Act, NIPSCO is able to deliver electricity to customers at a lower cost than traditional ownership of the projects.
