Data Center Signal is tracking 4 clips about NiSource data center developments across 1 states, including IN.
NIPSCO's parent company, NiSource, is rebranding its GenCo subsidiary. This subsidiary will be used to fund infrastructure for new data centers, representing a first-in-the-nation approach to data center funding.
Indiana has approved GenCo, a first-of-its-kind utility designed to provide electricity exclusively for data centers, aiming to protect ratepayers. This model, particularly evident in Northwest Indiana with projects like Amazon's planned data center and natural gas plants in Wheatfield, faces skepticism from residents and experts concerned about environmental impacts, air and water quality risks, and potential for increased household electricity bills. Despite the opposition, the utility model and specific associated projects have received regulatory approval.
Northwest Indiana residents testified at an online public hearing hosted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) regarding permit changes for NIPSCO's R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield. Opponents voiced concerns that the proposed permit, linked to a 2.6 gigawatt gas plant in Jasper County to power Amazon's data centers, would worsen air quality and increase pollution. IDEM is reviewing comments and will issue a decision later.
Data centers in Indiana are creating massive electricity demand, comparable to entire cities. Utilities are planning new generation capacity, often relying on natural gas and fossil fuels, to power facilities for companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon. Concerns about transparency and environmental impact of these energy plans have been raised by watchdog groups.