The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has approved CenterPoint Energy’s request to build two natural gas combustion turbines in Posey County at a cost of $334 million. WNIN’s John Gibson has the update:
The utility company is planning to close the coal-fired A.B. Brown plant next year and replace it with gas-fueled turbines, in addition to a mix of solar-and-wind-generated energy.
CenterPoint has said it’s committed to pursuing renewable energy goals and phasing-out coal.
But environmental groups say natural gas is still a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change.
The group Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy notes everyone who spoke at an Evansville field hearing in October asked regulators to deny CenterPoint’s plan for the AB Brown site.
The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor also recommended denying the request.
The commission previously denied a proposed larger gas plant.