AES Indiana details plan to power proposed Google data center southwest of Indianapolis

AES Indiana, the state's largest utility, has announced a strategy to supply power to a proposed Google data center in Plainfield, Morgan County, ensuring no additional costs for existing ratepayers. This detailed plan emerged as the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) conducts a statewide affordability inquiry into electricity bills following widespread consumer complaints. The Google project, an estimated $3 billion investment, is slated to be one of Plainfield's most significant economic developments, with the Plainfield Town Council having already approved tax abatements last year. AES Indiana's proposal to meet the data center's substantial energy demands involves leveraging existing infrastructure, acquiring renewable energy credits, and potentially developing new generation capabilities. While the primary focus is on electricity, the article also briefly touches upon water usage concerns, noting Google's commitment to implementing a 100% water-recycling system for the facility. The utility's public assurance aims to address both the IURC's scrutiny and potential public apprehension regarding the impact of large energy consumers on local utility costs.