Programs

Indiana renewable energy and energy efficiency

The state of Indiana offers many renewable energy and energy efficiency programs across a wide range of technology types. These programs are available for commercial, residential, and utility-scale customers.

A history of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Indiana

In September of 2004, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission enacted rules for net metering which required the investor-owned utilities in the state to offer net metering to all electric customers. In May of 2017, Senate Bill 309 made changes to the net metering system, including an eventual phase-out of retail rate net metering. This will occur by July 1, 2022 or when specific utilities reach 1.5% peak summer load caps. Customers with contracts before December of 2017 can continue their contracts until July 1, 2047, and those who sign up before the phase-out can continue their contracts until July 1, 2032.¹

Indiana's Renewable Portfolio Standard

Indiana's Clean Energy Portfolio Standard (CPS), also known as the Comprehensive Hoosier Option to Incentivize Cleaner Energy (CHOICE) program was enacted in May of 2011 with S.B. 251. This program is voluntary and sets a goal of 10% clean energy by 2025. Participating utilities receive incentives to increase their energy production from renewable energy. Indiana's CPS allows up to 30% of the goal to be met with “clean coal” technology, combined heat and power, nuclear energy, natural gas that displaces electricity from coal, or net-metered distribution generation facilities. At least fifty percent of energy going towards the goal must be produced within Indiana.²

Important renewable energy organizations in Indiana

One important organization in the state of Indiana is the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission was initially founded as the Railroad Commission in the late 19th century. In 1913, the Railroad Commission became the Public Service Commission as it gained regulatory authority over natural gas, water, electric, trucking, and telephone services. In 1987, it changed its name again to become the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Today, the Commission no longer regulates trucking, but does oversee more than 600 Indiana utilities. The Commission does not provide advocacy for either the public or utilities, but instead makes all of its decisions in the public interest and ensures that utilities in the state provide service that is safe, reliable, and affordable. The Commission is headed by five commissioners who are appointed by the governor, and has a total professional staff of approximately 75 people.³

Another important organization in Indiana is the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED), which was created to shepherd Indiana's energy plan. OED works to develop and implement comprehensive energy planning for the state that takes advantage of all of the resources Indiana has to offer and supports a growing, dynamic, and strong economy. OED also administers Department of Energy grant programs within the state. These programs promote energy efficiency, alternative power and fuels, and public education on energy issues.⁴

The Indiana Energy Association (IEA) is another important organization in the state of Indiana. IEA is an association of natural gas and electric power companies dedicated to providing Indiana consumers with energy that is affordable and reliable. The utilities that are a part of the IEA provide service to over four million Hoosiers. The IEA has ensured that families and businesses save money by keeping rates below the national average. Also, since the year 2000, harmful emissions have been significantly reduced in Indiana, thanks in large part to the Indiana Energy Association. Since that year, carbon dioxide emissions have gone down 22%, sulfur dioxide has gone down 69%, and nitrogen dioxide has gone down 70%.⁵

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), founded in 2001, is another important organization in Indiana furthering renewable energy and energy efficiency. MISO is among the largest ISOs in the world, with over $29 billion in gross market energy transactions annually. MISO operates across fifteen US states and the Canadian province of Manitoba, including the majority of Indiana. The part of Indiana not covered by MISO is covered by PJM. MISO's cornerstones are customer service, operational excellence, and effective communication. MISO is led by an independent Board of Directors who are elected by the members of the organization and serve three-year terms. Members of the Board of Directors are also required to meet certain qualifications designed to ensure that MISO is led by a capable board.⁶

Utilities also play an important role in furthering energy efficiency and renewable energy in Indiana. There are five major investor-owned utilities in Indiana. These are Duke Energy Indiana, Indianapolis Power and Light Company, Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Indiana Michigan Power Company, and Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company.

How to go solar in Indiana

You can install solar panels on your property and benefit directly from solar energy in Indiana. The best way to go solar is to compare multiple quotes - you can join the EnergySage Marketplace for free to begin comparing your options from installation companies near you. Want to start with a little more research? Check out average prices for solar in Indiana, or read through reviews of the best local solar installers in Indiana.

Footnotes

1. DSIRE. “Net Metering.” https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/342. Accessed October 28, 2020.
2. DSIRE. “Clean Energy Portfolio Standard.” https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/4832. Accessed October 28, 2020.
3. Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. “Mission Statement, History & Responsibility.” https://www.in.gov/iurc/2451.htm. Accessed October 28, 2020.
4. Indiana Office of Energy Development. “About Us.” https://www.in.gov/oed/2723.htm. Accessed October 28, 2020.
5. Indiana Energy Association. “What We Do.” http://www.indianaenergy.org/. Accessed October 28, 2020.
6. Midcontinent Independent System Operator. “About MISO.” https://www.misoenergy.org/about/. Accessed October 28, 2020.