Thursday marked a moment to celebrate Pike County in rural southern Indiana as it was announced that AES Indiana is investing approximately $1.1 billion into the county from 2024 to 2026. In a significant move towards cleaner energy production, AES Indiana has announced plans to convert its last remaining coal units to natural gas within the next two years. This transformation is part of a broader $1.1 billion investment to modernize the company’s energy infrastructure. The initiative, which includes three major projects, underscores AES Indiana’s commitment to sustainable energy and economic growth in the region.
The company’s president, Brandi Davis-Handy, emphasized Pike County’s historical role as a hub for energy production. “The power behind our power is here in Pike County,” Davis-Handy remarked. “This station has been the largest part of our generation fleet since the late 1960s, and as we transition to cleaner and greener generation, we’ve made a commitment to continue our investments right here in Pike County.”
In addition to converting the coal units, AES Indiana plans to construct new facilities for battery energy storage, capable of holding and delivering over 200 megawatts of battery and solar power. These new energy centers are expected to be completed by late 2025, with the construction phase bringing 300 jobs to the area.
Petersburg Mayor R.C. Klipsch highlighted the positive impact this development will have on the community, reflecting on the loss of another power plant in the area several years ago. “It hasn’t been too many years ago when another power plant here in Petersburg…decided not to be here and actually demolished the facility and moved out,” Mayor Klipsch explained. “And it was devastating for our community.”
Further supporting the local community, AES Indiana has pledged $100,000 toward a $3.5 million downtown events center in Petersburg, which is slated for completion in 2026. Mayor Klipsch expressed the community’s need for such a facility, while Davis-Handy emphasized the importance of these investments for the well-being of both Pike County residents and AES employees.
Pending approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), the conversion to natural gas is expected to be finalized by the end of 2026, with a ruling from the IURC anticipated later this fall.
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