The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) has recommended that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) deny a Vectren proposal under its consideration.
Under the proposal, Vectren would shut down four of its five coal units and retrofit the fifth by 2023. It would replace the retired units with a natural gas plant in Posey County. The total projected cost is close to $900 million.
The OUCC said Vectren’s proposal wouldn’t diversify its energy portfolio and leaves it vulnerable to higher natural gas prices.
It also said Vectren has surplus energy and its consumer needs have shrunk in recent years.
Vectren takes issue with the OUCC’s concerns and said its proposal is “the best option for our electric customers.”
The OUCC said it received more than 600 written comments from consumers, the vast majority of which opposed the plans.
Vectren has until Sept. 10 to file a response. The IURC should announce its decision early next year.