CenterPoint Energy Indiana South files for 335 MW worth of solar energy PPAs

CenterPoint Energy Indiana South seeks to begin two power purchase agreements (PPAs) capable of providing another 335 MW of solar energy to aid its long-term energy transition plan, one with Oriden and one with Origis Energy.

Under the arrangements as sought, Oriden would provide CenterPoint with 185 MWs for the next 15 years, while Origis would provide 150 MWs for 20 years. An application for approval was filed for both with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) this week.

“These additional renewable resources would serve our local electric customers, providing a cost-effective, stable energy option,” Steve Greenley, senior vice president of Indiana Electric Operations for CenterPoint Energy, said. “We look forward to partnering with Oriden and Origis Energy as they bring these projects to fruition.”

The Oriden-run project will be developed in Vermillion County, while Origis will focus its efforts on Knox County. Both arrays are expected to be operational by 2023. For CenterPoint, the energy they provide would also be a step forward in its Smart Energy Future Plan, which calls for transitioning to a cost-effective, well-balanced energy mix capable of saving its electric customers as much as $320 million over a 20 year planning period, without sacrificing reliability.

“Oriden is proud to support CenterPoint Energy’s efforts to diversify their electric generation portfolio and contribute to the future of cleaner energy for its customers,” Masahiro Ogiso, president and CEO of Oriden, said. “It really takes a team effort with our stakeholders to develop a successful renewable energy project like this.”

In all, the 335 MWs these projects provide should be enough to supply the needs of approximately 70,000 residential or 12,000 commercial customers annually. However, CenterPoint is also waiting to hear back from the IURC on two other renewables-linked applications: one for acquisition of a 300 MW solar array and another for a separate 100 MW PPA.