NIPSCO announces electric credits from data center development
NIPSCO announced $57.5 million in electric bill savings tied to data center development, including $5 monthly credits for residential customers over 18 months pending approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The plan is connected to large-load agreements involving Amazon and a proposed data center in Jasper County, but a local activist argued the credits do not offset broader rate increases and community impacts.
NIPSCO said northern Indiana residential customers could receive about $90 each through $5 monthly bill credits for 18 months, with the first credits expected in early 2027 if the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approves the proposal. The utility said the savings are supported by revenue from large data center customers and build on an expected $1.75 billion in credits from previously announced agreements involving Amazon and other major companies.
The announcement is linked to Amazon’s planned data center development in Jasper County, including land purchased at NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield and a project known as Project Rise. Ashley Williams of Just Transition Northwest Indiana criticized the plan, saying the credits are insufficient compared with existing rate increases and the impacts reported by nearby residents. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun directed the IURC to expedite review of utility filings, citing the need to lower costs for Hoosier households.