Indiana Michigan Power Seeks to Acquire Oregon Clean Energy Center for Future Energy Needs
On April 11, 2025, Indiana Michigan Power (IM), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (NASDAQ: AEP), announced its proposal to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to acquire the Oregon Clean Energy Center. This natural gas plant, located in Oregon, Ohio, has an impressive capacity of 870 megawatts (MW). The filing is initiated under the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) process, ensuring the acquisition aligns with public interest and remains just and reasonable for the community.
Steve Baker, the president and COO of IM, emphasized the pressing need for additional electric generation, pointing out that this acquisition could diversify their energy sources and position IM for future growth. With energy demand projected to exceed 7,000 MW by 2030, doubling the peak levels of 2,800 MW from 2024, IM recognizes the urgency to address current and future energy requirements.
The Oregon Clean Energy Center may play a pivotal role in stabilizing power supply and fulfilling the operational needs of IM customers who require reliable electricity 24/7. IM's existing generation mix includes solar, wind, nuclear, coal, and hydroelectric resources, showcasing a commitment to an inclusive energy strategy. This 'all of the above' approach balances affordability, resilience, and reliability in power supply.
Furthermore, the planned acquisition is integral to IM’s Future Ready plan—a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring customer satisfaction through affordable and reliable energy. IM expects a decision from IURC regarding this proposal in early 2026, paving the way for potential future filings over the next year, focused on further resource addition consistent with their goal of sustainability.
As of 2023, IM successfully delivered over 85% of its energy in emission-free formats, underlining its dedication to environmental responsibility. The company has approximately 2,000 employees who serve a customer base of over 600,000. Notably, IM's generation arsenal comprises 2,278 MW of nuclear power in Michigan, over 450 MW from wind resources in Indiana, and diverse hydro and solar contributions across its service areas.
American Electric Power, the parent company of IM, is at the forefront of meeting energy demands in the United States, with a significant investment of $54 billion earmarked for enhancing customer services and expanding energy resources from 2025 to 2029. AEP operates the largest electric transmission system in the country, supporting a diverse generation capacity totaling around 29,000 MW.
With substantial planning and a clear vision of the future, IM is set to not only address immediate energy needs but also prepare for long-term operational excellence and customer satisfaction. The Oregon Clean Energy Center acquisition is merely the first step in a broader strategy aimed at securing a sustainable and resilient energy future for Indiana and Michigan residents.
For ongoing information and updates regarding IM's Future Ready Plan, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the company's official website.