UPDATE: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) issued a final order in this case on Nov. 20, 2007. A PDF copy of the 64-page order is available by clicking here.
Two public events will take place on Wednesday, August 29 regarding Duke Energy Indiana's request for permission to build and operate an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) generating facility in Knox County, Indiana. Both events will be held in the City Council Chambers at Showers Center City Hall, 401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, Indiana:
- At 5:30 p.m., Eastern Time, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) will conduct an information meeting to discuss the regulatory process and describe public field hearing procedures.
- At 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will conduct a formal public field hearing to accept oral and written consumer comments. The comments will become part of the evidentiary record considered by the IURC in reaching its final decision in this case. Commissioners are not permitted to answer consumer questions during the formal field hearing.
In this case, Duke Energy is seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the IURC that would allow it to construct a 630-megawatt electric generating facility in Edwardsport, Indiana. The facility would use IGCC technology to convert coal into a synthetic gas. Remaining nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and mercury emissions would then be removed from the gas before it is burned to generate electricity. In addition, Duke Energy is seeking permission to recover capital and various operating costs of the IGCC project from its customers through rates, as allowed by Indiana law.
The IGCC project was originally proposed as a joint venture of Duke Energy and Vectren Energy Delivery. On August 1, Vectren announced it would no longer be participating in the project.
The OUCC, the state agency representing residential and business consumer interests in IURC proceedings, has filed testimony and a proposed order recommending approval of the CPCN on certain conditions. These conditions include the implementation of carbon capture and sequestration at the Edwardsport site, and limits on certain financial incentives Duke Energy is requesting in this case.
A number of parties have formally intervened in this case including the following: Indiana Coal Council, Inc., Clean Air Task Force, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club (Hoosier Chapter), Save the Valley, Inc., Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Valley Watch, Nucor Steel, and a group of Duke Energy's industrial customers including Eli Lilly & Co., Haynes International, Wal-Mart and USG Corp. Most intervening parties have filed testimony and proposed orders with the IURC through legal counsel and expert witnesses.
The entire public case file is available for review on the IURC Website (www.in.gov/iurc), by visiting http://www.in.gov/iurc/portal/Tab.aspx?tabid=28&dn=SEARCHDOCKETEDCASE and entering docket number 43114.
Consumers who are unable to attend the August 29 events are encouraged to submit written comments to the OUCC in advance. Comments should include the consumer's name, address, and a reference to IURC Cause No. 43114. Consumers can send comments to the OUCC by mail, fax or the Internet:
- Mail: Consumer Services Staff; Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor; 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South; Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Fax: (317) 232-5923
- E-mail: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
- OUCC Website: www.IN.gov/OUCC
Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC's consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
(IURC Cause No. 43114)
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency that represents residential and business consumer interests in cases before state and federal utility regulatory commissions. To learn more, visit www.IN.gov/OUCC.
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