Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) is taking a big step towards becoming a leader in solar power generation in Indiana and the Midwest. IPL recently awarded Sunrise Energy Venture the chance to supply solar power at three 10 megawatt sites in the IPL service area. This means IPL would purchase the power generated at the Sunrise sites at a fixed rate for 15 years after approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
In a “reverse auction” held by IPL, 30 mw of renewable energy was up for bid to companies offering the lowest rates. IPL is attempting to diversify their portfolio of power generation resources by using other options like wind, bio-mass and solar photovoltaic (PV).
“IPL’s interest in solar energy is part of our commitment to a more diversified portfolio of power generation that includes appropriate renewable sources that allow us to provide safe, reliable energy at some of the most affordable residential prices in the nation,” said Ken Zagzebski, IPL’s president and CEO.
IPL is also working on a 60-acre 10 mw solar project in the Indianapolis International Airport as well as other solar projects for the Indy area which could net as much as 70-80 mw of solar power. If this happens, by 2013 IPL could possibly lead Midwest utilities by supplying more solar power generated in their service area.
IPL has more than 470, 000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis who will all benefit from the use of solar power.
