Fort Wayne – October 12, 2026 -- Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to approve a 1,520 megawatt (MW) natural gas combined cycle plant at its Rockport site, one of the largest utility construction projects in Indiana.
I&M expects power demand in its Indiana service area to more than double by the early 2030s. The new Rockport Energy Center is meant to add generation capacity to meet that load.
I&M targets summer 2030 start-up, with an IURC ruling expected in early 2027
I&M filed for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). The filing details the construction timeline, the allocation of construction and operating costs, regional transmission capacity and environmental factors.
The company anticipates an IURC decision in early 2027. Construction would begin in 2027, and the plant is expected to be operational in summer 2030.
Rockport project is expected to create about 1,200 construction jobs
The facility is expected to bring roughly 1,200 construction jobs and 30 to 40 ongoing operational roles. I&M cites the site's existing infrastructure, available space and skilled workforce, along with room for multiple sources of generation. The Rockport energy site has operated for more than 40 years.
The Rockport coal units are preparing to retire as the site shifts to other forms of generation. I&M says it is focused on creating opportunities for current employees and future generations of workers from the Rockport community.
I&M says the investment is already built into its planned rate reduction filing
The project does not affect I&M's plans to reduce customer rates, according to the company. The investment is already contemplated in I&M's upcoming rate reduction filing and its non-fuel rate freeze.
The plant is also expected to reduce reliance on market purchases. That would limit exposure to price volatility and support long-term cost stability for the company and its customers.
Maryam S. Brown, I&M president and chief operating officer, said the facility will deliver dependable baseload energy to serve existing and future customers at an affordable cost. The Spencer County Board of Commissioners welcomed the plan to locate new generation at Rockport.
The project is part of I&M's Future Ready plan, which sets out the resources needed to provide dependable energy while maintaining a variety of energy sources.