Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approves plans for Blackford, Pulaski, DeKalb and Elkhart counties solar power plants

HARTFORD CITY — The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Wednesday approved plans by Indiana Michigan Power for four new solar power plants, including one in Blackford County.

According to a news release, I&M will invest about $1 billion in the two largest plants, the Lake Trout plant in Blackford County and the Mayapple plant in Pulaski County, which the power company will own and operate.

I&M will purchase the power generated from the other two independently operated solar power plants, in DeKalb and Elkhart counties.

The projects in Blackford and Pulaski counties are set to begin construction in fall 2024 and be generating power by spring 2026. The other two plants are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

"The developers of the four sites have been working with local officials in the four counties to address any concerns and meet the requirements to gain local approval," according to the release