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LaPorte County approves addendum to secure priority review for new generation as NIPSCO rates draw scrutiny
Summary
Commissioners approved an addendum tied to IURC Cause 46322 that secures priority consideration for new generation siting in LaPorte County and affirms studies paid by NiSource shareholders; the discussion highlighted concerns about rising utility bills and a scheduled regulatory hearing.
LaPorte County commissioners on March 4 approved an addendum related to Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Cause 46322 aimed at protecting local ratepayers and securing priority evaluation of new generation sites in industrially zoned areas of the county.
Shaw Friedman, the county's commission attorney, told the board the addendum includes “written assurance” that the county will receive priority consideration for prospective NIPSCO generation projects in industrial zones such as KIP and that studies carried out by engineering firm Sargent & Lundy were paid for by NiSource shareholders rather than NIPSCO ratepayers. “We cannot afford to lose the $5,000,000.00 a year in property taxes,” Friedman said, arguing studies and commitments in the addendum protect local revenue if generation changes at the Lake Michigan site occur in 2028.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the county faces steep utility bills and revenue risks if generation shifts occur or costs are passed through to existing customers. Friedman outlined three factors that, in his view, have driven higher bills over the past decade: regulatory decisions by the IURC, the approach of the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) in rate cases, and legislation that he said has favored investor-owned utilities. He said the county has a lengthy history of intervening in utility cases and that the addendum helps protect the county’s interests while winding down active litigation in Cause 46322.
The board also discussed upcoming regulatory events. Friedman said there is still a hearing related to Cause 46322 scheduled for April in which expert testimony would have been required; President Steve Holifield separately announced a March 24 session in the IURC meeting room at the PNC building for interested parties. Commissioners encouraged residents to follow the IURC docket; Friedman said the county expects public release of NiSource’s site studies soon.
What the addendum does: According to the attorney’s presentation, the addendum (1) seeks to prevent data-center-related energy costs from being shifted onto existing customers, (2) secures priority consideration for LaPorte County sites for new generation alternatives (gas-fired or battery storage), and (3) specifies that shareholder funds—not ratepayer money—covered the recent technical studies. The board voted to approve the addendum 3-0.
Process notes: Friedman told commissioners the county is winding down some litigation related to the case and that continuing would have required additional expert-expense commitments; the addendum reduces ongoing legal exposure while preserving county priorities. Commissioner Connie Gramarossa and others reiterated interest in ongoing oversight and coordination with the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and state legislators.
Next steps: The county will monitor the IURC docket and public filings, and commissioners encouraged attendance at the scheduled regulatory sessions. The addendum and the attached studies were entered into the record as part of the meeting minutes.
