I&M is exploring the best long-term plan for its Elkhart and Mottville hydroelectric facilities.

We are carefully examining the following options as part of our upcoming FERC license coming due:

1. Relicensing the facilities to continue full operations;

2. Decommissioning the facilities, which involves facility removal and restoring a free-flowing river; and

3. Examination of these options encompasses essential studies on the environmental impact, economic consequences, and the community’s uses of the river.

No decision on the hydroelectric facilities is being made at this time. This is an early process to examine future options for the facilities, and the potential impacts and benefits of each option.

I&M’s assessment focuses on the St. Joseph River where the Elkhart and Mottville hydroelectric facilities are located. The impact studies I&M is conducting will consider the upstream and downstream areas, as well as the communities of Elkhart and Mottville and the surrounding region.

The hydroelectric facilities in Elkhart and Mottville began operation in 1913 and 1923, respectively, and are aging. If left unaddressed, the hydroelectric facilities could cause escalating maintenance costs, and impact to river flow and wildlife. I&M wants to proactively make an informed decision about the facilities’ future that balances all these factors and best serves its customers, the community, and the environment.

The hydroelectric facilities are also being analyzed and assessed from an operations and cost perspective, as part of I&M’s regulatory process, for evaluation in I&M’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).