To the Editor:
Hoosiers should not have to worry about basic energy needs, but this is becoming our new normal since Indiana is transitioning away from coal too quickly.
Indiana has long been a leader in energy for one reason: coal. Although we have only 1.5% of the country’s coal reserves, we remain the eighth-largest coal producer in the United States. Over 50% of Indiana’s electricity comes from coal, and we need more of it, not less. Indiana is the third-largest coal consumer, behind only Texas and Missouri. Most Hoosiers recognize what many do not: that coal is America’s most reliable form of energy. Yet, we have been reducing coal consumption over the past decade.
Solar and wind account for only 10% of Indiana’s energy mix despite massive investments. Renewables can fail when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow for long periods of time. While renewable energy will continue to be an important supplement, the technology simply remains too expensive and unreliable to meet Indiana’s demand for energy.
Natural gas has offset most of Indiana’s reduction in coal consumption over the past decade – however, natural gas is not as reliable as coal. For instance, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a premier transmission operator essential to providing energy to Indiana, has repeatedly warned of the unreliability of natural gas in extreme weather conditions. Their warnings nearly became true, as Indiana came dangerously close to experiencing blackouts last winter.
Despite these concerns, Indiana’s utilities are turning away from coal. Most Indiana utilities are on track to stop burning coal in 12 years though alternatives are nowhere near ready to meet demand.
It is nearly impossible to build a new power plant in today’s permitting environment. As energy demand is increasing, and we are struggling to meet the current demand, we should not be retiring any generation.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) must do more to stop premature coal plant closures in Indiana. While a recent Indiana Senate law required utilities to notify the IURC of their plans to close power plants and empowered the IURC to conduct a review process, more must be done.
The IURC should have full authority to permit or deny power plant closures in the state since they have a vested interest in promoting grid reliability in Indiana. This way, Indiana can achieve an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy, ensuring that Hoosiers have the energy they need to keep their homes warm and lights on.
Robert Turner
Indianapolis
