CenterPoint Energy to acquire solar array in Indiana

CenterPoint Energy Indiana South is acquiring a 130-megawatt (MW) solar array as part of its long-term electric generation transition plan.

The company, a subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, has entered into an agreement with Invenergy to build the solar array project in Pike County, Indiana. It is currently seeking approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

“By seeking to add another universal solar project to our renewable energy portfolio, we continue to move forward with our long-term generation transition plan and remain committed to our economic and environmental goals for the region,” Steve Greenley, senior vice president of generation development at the utility, said. “If approved, with the addition of this project, CenterPoint Energy will be adding nearly 800 MWs of solar generation to power our southwestern Indiana customers.”

This represents the third round of solar agreements with the company. CenterPoint Energy Indiana South was previously granted approval to build a solar array in Posey County, now sized at 200 MW, as well as enter into power purchase agreements totaling more than 400 MWs in Warrick, Vermillion, and Knox Counties in Indiana.

“Invenergy is pleased to be working with CenterPoint Energy to support the utility’s generation transition goals and to provide its customers in Indiana with clean energy. Our team looks forward to the completion of this project and growing our project portfolio within the state,” Michael Kaplan, senior vice president of renewable development at Invenergy, said.

Pending approvals, construction of the Pike County solar project is expected to begin in early 2023 and be operational in 2025. It will create approximately 130 construction jobs.

“We are committed to delivering reliable energy generation in the most cost-effective manner for our customers while contributing to Indiana’s clean energy infrastructure,” Greenley added. “CenterPoint Energy would like to recognize officials in Pike County for their support of this project and efforts to bring cleaner energy solutions to our communities.”

CenterPoint Energy delivers electricity to approximately 150,000 customers in southwest Indiana in all or portions of Gibson, Dubois, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties.