Fort Wayne-based Indiana Michigan Power is requesting approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to acquire the Oregon Clean Energy Center in northern Ohio.
The utility says the 870-megwatt natural gas plant will help address its needs for additional electric generation for its Indiana customers.
I&M said in a news release that power demand is expected to grow from Indiana’s peak of 2,800 megawatts in 2024 to more than 7,000 megawatts in 2030.
The plant, located just outside of Toledo, Ohio, will provide a stable source of power for existing and new customers, the utility said.
“I&M has established the need for additional electric generation, and we believe the Oregon Clean Energy Center is an important opportunity to further diversify our current generation portfolio and position I&M for future growth,” President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Baker said. “It is our responsibility to ensure that our current and future customers have reliable and affordable power.”
The Oregon Clean Energy Center has been in operation since 2017. The facility can provide enough electricity to power approximately 700,000 homes, according to the plant’s website.
A spokesperson for I&M declined to provide an anticipated cost for the acquisition in an email to Inside INdiana Business.
I&M has filed a request seeking a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or CPCN, with the IURC to acquire the facility. The utility is asking the commission to make a decision on the request within 240 days.
The spokesperson said the utility aims to close on the acquisition in early 2026. It was not immediately clear how many people work at the Ohio plant.
Indiana Michigan Power serves more than 600,000 customers in northern and east-central Indiana, as well as southwest Michigan. The utility has about 2,000 employees.