Duke Energy unveils revised electrical-grid upgrade plan

Courtesy of Duke Energy
Duke Energy Indiana issued a new grid-modernization plan on Tuesday that would upgrade aging technology across the state.

The plan consists of $1.83 billion in infrastructure upgrades to replace older technology with more advanced equipment to improve services.

"This plan will improve the reliability of our electric service and give customers more control over their energy usage and bills while creating and supporting thousands of Hoosier jobs," Duke Energy Indiana President Melody Birmingham-Byrd said. "We've responded to the commission's guidance and issues raised in its May order. The revised plan is more detailed and focuses on projects that improve the reliability of our service while modernizing our aging infrastructure."

The company said under the plan, power distribution should become more reliable and safe, with fewer outages that don't last as long. Power consumption should fall by approximately 1 percent with the new technology and equipment in place.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission rejected the first modernization plan proposed by the company, citing a lack of details.

The company said a decision is expected in 2016, and if the plan is approved, ratepayers would likely see a 1 percent increase per year between 2017 and 2022.