Laserfiche WebLink
Committeemember Davis asked if there was any way to view the meetings live if you do not live <br />in Indianapolis. <br />Mr. Satterwhite stated if there was an interest and if somebody wanted to be more involved but <br />couldn't get there I &M would be open to including more people. There is no pride of authorship <br />with these programs, if we can make the numbers work and get the Commission's approval we <br />want to know what those ideas are. Ultimately we can only do what the Commission will allow <br />us to do but they all originate at that table which is completely open. We also have quarterly <br />meetings to analyze the programs to see what is working and what is not working as expected. <br />The Sierra Club took all mention of this process and its successes out of their resolution. <br />Mr. Satterwhite stated out of four (4) of five (5) pricing scenarios, the lowest -price option is to <br />continue operating both Rockport units. This includes adding the pollution controls on the plant <br />and the long -term plans. There is a million different parameters on how these pricing scenarios <br />work and the only one (1) where closing Rockport would be the cheapest would be assuming <br />very high carbon taxes and really low PJM prices. Based on the Integrated Resource Plan, <br />closing both Rockport units and going carbon free adds $9.40 a month for twenty (20) years to a <br />typical electric bill. That number is based on the average usage which is approximately 1,000 <br />kilowatt hours per month. Currently, I &M is planning on increasing hydro, wind, and solar <br />energy by 12% by 2026 and increase energy efficiency by 6 %. This is based on our favored plan. <br />I &M will have 14.7 MW of solar energy by the end of 2016 and by 2035 they are planning to <br />add approximately 2,000 MW of wind and solar energy. <br />Regarding the resolution in particular, Mr. Satterwhite stated I &M is supportive of renewable <br />energy and a transition of their fleet. As can be seen in the IRP we are increasing renewables and <br />have no problem doing so. In addition to renewables, natural gas fits in that equation as well as <br />sort of a cleaner energy which is a non -coal option. <br />Committee Chair Dr. Varner asked if I &M ever sees a scenario where they are 100% renewable <br />in our lifetime. <br />Mr. Satterwhite responded he doesn't know if scientifically that's possible at this point in time. If <br />we were doing that, we would be relying on the PJM market to give us all of our power so that <br />we can say we are renewable. The capacity factors don't as of yet fit where you can have <br />renewable energy 24/7 on the grid. Renewables are very good things and we want to support and <br />expand them and it is possible that with increased battery storage in the future we could do that <br />but right now we have to always have power on the grid. There are actually penalties from PJM, <br />which is the regional transmission organization which all utilities have to be a part of, if you <br />don't have power on the grid. <br />Committee Chair Dr. Varner asked if Mr. Robinson from I &M would like to add anything. <br />Mark Robinson, 61470 Mayflower Drive South Bend IN, stated there are concerns with <br />complete renewable energy on the grid. Mr. Robinson referenced an article related to Germany <br />where that country is just backpedaling right now when they got to about 30 % -40% and it is <br />starting to wreck the system. <br />El <br />