IURC approved an agreement between I&M, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) and a group representing I&M’s industrial customers, which seeks to help the plant comply with strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards using the two-step dry sorbent injection (DSI) technology.
The DSI technology is expected to cost an estimated $258m, a significant saving over the conventional dry scrubber, which would have cost an estimated $1.4bn.
I&M president and chief operating officer Paul Chodak III said the project will result in cleaner air with a greatly reduced impact on customer rates.
Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor David Stippler said the clean coal technology is and should continue to serve as a crucial component in addressing Indiana’s energy future.
”The OUCC worked diligently in this proceeding to ensure that I&M implements the most cost-effective technology at Rockport in order to satisfy environmental mandates.,” Stippler added.
The IURC’s permission follows the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s approval, and an agreement between I&M, EPA, environmental groups and several northeast states back in August and February 2013, respectively.
