Vectren's integrated resource plan selects significant renewables; diversified generation portfolio designated as low-cost customer solution
Preferred portfolio to save customers $320 million over the next 20 years and lowers carbon emissions by nearly 75%; all-source request for pricing inputs incorporated
2020-06-15T05:00:00Z

EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 15, 2020 - Today, during its final Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) public stakeholder meeting, Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy company, (Vectren) presented a preferred portfolio to diversify its electric generation fleet in the coming years. The plan ensures reliability and mitigates risk, while saving electric customers an estimated $320 million over the 20-year planning period. Nearly two-thirds of the energy included in the new plan will be generated from renewable resources, reducing reliance on carbon fuels and lowering carbon emissions by nearly 75% from 2005 levels. The plan replaces some older coal generation units with significant renewables, including a large percentage of universal solar. Vectren's fourth and final public stakeholder meeting was conducted as part of the year-long integrated resource planning process, which is overseen by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

"The IRP considers a broad range of potential conditions and variables to determine a preferred fuel mix which allows Vectren to meet future electric energy demand in a safe and reliable manner," said Lynnae Wilson, chief business officer, Indiana Electric. "Over the next several months, we will finalize our generation plan, taking into consideration cost, COVID-19 impacts, efficiency and reliability while recognizing the need for flexibility given ever-advancing technology in a rapidly evolving industry."

Vectren's IRP, submitted every three years to the IURC, demonstrates how the company plans to generate and deliver safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity to its southwestern Indiana customers through a forecast spanning 20 years. This plan, which considers public stakeholder input, the outcomes of an All-Source RFP, and a wide variety of economic variables is the second consecutive IRP to demonstrate the utility should move toward resource diversity. Modeling conducted within the analysis points Vectren to:

  • Retiring or exiting agreements involving 730 megawatts (MW) of coal generation, thereby avoiding investments estimated at $700 million to comply with strict environmental regulations
  • Adding 700-1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar (some connected to battery energy storage) and 300 MW of wind renewable resources, which would allow all Vectren electric customers access to solar and wind-powered energy at significantly lower costs; and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 75%
  • Adding 460 MW of natural gas combustion turbines; approximately half the natural gas capacity of the combined cycle gas turbine proposed in the previous IRP and designed to back up the renewable resources that supply the majority of customers' energy needs

"Using what we have learned from this IRP process, we will be pursuing a much larger percentage of renewable energy, as well as continuing to offer energy efficiency programs to ensure customers have options to use energy wisely," continued Wilson. "Customer and stakeholder engagement were focal points throughout this very important process, and we appreciate the thoughtful insights offered which helped us realize this plan. We are committed to developing a transition plan that is responsive to our customers and the direction received from the IURC in its 2019 Order which considers the various risks and economic impacts of each step. We are confident this plan will assist in keeping customer rates reasonable while leaving room for flexibility as the future of electric generation continues to evolve."

Last April, the IURC granted partial approval of Vectren's electric generation transition plan which included the retrofitting of Vectren's largest, most-efficient 270 MW coal-fired unit. The request to begin construction of a 50 MW universal solar array was also approved by the IURC last year, and its construction is underway.

The completed IRP will be submitted to the IURC on June 30. A director's report, detailing the IURC's comments, will likely be issued by the end of the year. Information about Vectren's IRP process can be found at www.vectren.com/irp.

"The proposed future portfolio further ensures southwestern Indiana remains in attainment for air quality and promotes additional economic development in our region where we live and work," stated Wilson. "Avoiding future coal maintenance investments will ensure local generation has a responsible renewable-to-carbon balance while ensuring the reliability our customers expect. We are incredibly sensitive to customer impact, and with stakeholder input, we feel this planning process has produced a cost-effective plan that moves us toward a future built on cleaner generation."

Vectren delivers electricity to approximately 145,000 customers in all or portions of Gibson, Dubois, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as future regulatory filings, actions and decisions, including the timing and impact of such actions and decisions, the timing of completion of the projects identified in the IRP, the benefits derived from the preferred generation portfolio in the IRP, including resource diversification, estimated customer savings and carbon emission reduction targets, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include energy-related services, energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems that help fund utility operations. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
The practice of conducting an IRP is a three-year process. Vectren's IRP takes into consideration the public's interest and is formed with respect to federal and state energy and environmental policy, both of which are rapidly changing for utilities. The utility conducted four public meetings between the months of April 2019 and June 2020, taking input from many key stakeholders. Learn more at www.vectren.com/irp.

Media contact: Natalie Hedde, (812) 491-5105 or natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com
Investor contact: Dave Mordy, (713) 207-6500 or david.mordy@centerpointenergy.com

SOURCE Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy continues preparedness actions and positions resources ahead of potential severe weather in the Greater Houston area beginning Saturday afternoon and into Sunday

HOUSTON – March 7, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Operations Center remains activated today as the company continues executing preparedness actions ahead of potential severe weather across the Greater Houston area Saturday afternoon and evening, including scattered showers, thunderstorms and lightning. The company is monitoring forecasts, coordinating with emergency management partners and positioning resources to be prepared to respond to potential impacts to electric and natural gas service safely and as quickly as possible.

“We've been actively monitoring the weather models all week and are prepared to respond to potential impacts to our system," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Though the greatest potential for thunderstorms and severe weather appears to be to the north of our electric service territory on Saturday, we will continue tracking forecasts and adjusting our response plans. We urge customers to stay aware of evolving weather conditions and have a plan to stay safe."

What CenterPoint is doing:

  • Readying the company's resources:More than 1,400 personnel continue executing preparedness actions and will remain ready to support potential restoration efforts through Sunday.
  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center yesterday and remains ready to respond.
  • ​ Monitoring 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams are developing plans to pre-position crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: The company is providing updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

“Our crews are pre-positioned and ready to safely and quickly restore service in the event the forecasted severe weather has an impact on our system," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President, Special Response Team and Incident Commander. “We are committed to keeping our customers aware and informed, especially during potentially severe weather events. We urge all customers to register for Power Alert Service®, so that if outages from weather occur they can receive restoration updates directly via phone, text and email."​

What customers should do:

  • Sign up for Power Alert Service®: Get outage updates and restoration times.
  • Track outages: Bookmark our new Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly) to see outage information in your area.
  • Stay safe: Visit Ready.gov for storm safety tips.
  • ​ Follow us: Real-time updates will be available on X and at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. ​

More than 99.8% of CenterPoint Energy customers experienced no impacts during Saturday afternoon and evening storms; Company remains ready to respond to additional storms overnight and Sunday

​HOUSTON – March 7, 2026 – As today's wave of thunderstorms moved through the Greater Houston area, more than 99.8% of CenterPoint Energy's 2.9 million customers experienced no impacts to electric service as a result of this afternoon's severe weather. At the peak of today's storm activity, approximately 11,000 customers were without service. Since 5 p.m., crews have restored approximately 7,000 customers. As of 9:30 p.m., approximately 4,000 customers are currently without power — less than 1% of CenterPoint's 2.9 million electric customers. These numbers may continue to fluctuate as additional storms move through the area overnight and Sunday.​​

Crews have been pre-positioned across the area and are actively restoring customers experiencing outages in the areas most impacted, including northern areas of the company's electric service territory in Cypress, Humble and Katy, which experienced thunderstorms with frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.

The company's Operations Center remains activated as crews respond to outages and continue executing preparedness actions ahead of any weather impacts tomorrow. The company continues to diligently monitor forecasts, coordinate with emergency management partners and position resources to continue supporting restoration efforts and respond to any system impacts safely and as quickly as possible.

“We are committed to getting the lights back on for those customers experiencing outages following today's storms. Our crews are out right now across the Greater Houston area working to safely and quickly restore customers, while also preparing for another round of severe weather tomorrow afternoon," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President, Special Response Team and Incident Commander.

“As heavy rainfall continues and the threat of flooding remains across the area, we urge customers to stay prepared. We urge customers to stay aware and alert to the dangers of flood waters – and stay away from downed power lines that could be submerged in standing water. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and call us at 713-207-2222 to report."

CenterPoint has taken the following actions:

  • Deployed the company's resources: More than 1,400 personnel are responding to outages and supporting preparedness actions ahead of potential restoration efforts tomorrow.
  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center yesterday and remains ready to respond.
  • ​ Continued monitoring of weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioned resources: Response teams have been pre-positioned in areas where storms are forecasted to impact and remain respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Continued coordination with local officials: The company is providing updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

What customers should do:

  • Sign up for Power Alert Service®: Get outage updates and restoration times.
  • Track outages: Bookmark our new Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly) to see outage information in your area.
  • Stay safe: Visit Ready.gov for storm safety tips.
  • Follow us: Real-time updates will be available on X and at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving more than 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of December 31, 2025, the company had approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. ​

While springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to perform vital safety tasks and energy efficiency actions

​MINNEAPOLIS — March 6, 2026 — Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers not just to use the time to adjust their clocks, but as an annual reminder to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the warmer temperatures and longer days ahead.

“With warmer weather on the way, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you move your clocks forward by one hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire fatalities occur more often in homes without working smoke alarms. Verifying detectors function properly is one of the simple ways to protect you and your loved ones."

With spring approaching, customers can also use this season reminder to perform energy saving and safety tasks around the home, such as:

  • Changing the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50% of a home's energy use. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and to keep the system running efficiently.
  • Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep a dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out

of the duct or tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.

  • Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling

costs, take time to caulk areas in and around a home where conditioned air may escape such as
around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.

  • Installing hot water saving measures: Showering accounts for 40% of a home's hot water use,

so energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot
water use without sacrificing comfort.

  • Checking and restocking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check that emergency supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for the longer and warmer days ahead, customers can make a difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes, while managing their bills. For additional efficiency tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.


About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

CenterPoint Energy activates Emergency Operations Center as teams continue monitoring severe weather forecasted across the Greater Houston area this weekend and preparing for potential impacts

​HOUSTON – March 6, 2026 – With the potential for severe weather, scattered showers, thunderstorms and lightning to impact the Greater Houston area from Friday night through Sunday evening, CenterPoint Energy has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center. The company continues to diligently monitor forecasts, coordinate with emergency management partners and position resources to be prepared to respond to potential impacts to electric and natural gas service safely and as quickly as possible. ​

“We've been actively monitoring the weather models all week and are prepared to respond to potential impacts to our system," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Though the greatest potential for thunderstorms and severe weather appears to be to the north of our service territory on Saturday, we will continue tracking forecasts and adjusting our response plans tomorrow and throughout the weekend. We urge customers to stay aware of evolving weather conditions and have a plan to stay safe."

What CenterPoint is doing:

  • Readying the company's resources:More than 1,400 personnel are executing preparedness actions and will remain ready to support potential restoration efforts through Sunday.
  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center.​
  • Monitoring 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams are developing plans to pre-position crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: Providing regular updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

“Keeping our customers informed is a top priority, especially during severe weather," said Jesus Soto Jr., CenterPoint Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “If outages from weather occur, our Outage Tracker is the best way to stay updated with real-time information, including estimated restoration times. We're committed to open communication and working safely and quickly to restore service."

What customers should do:

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.​

While springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to perform vital safety tasks and energy efficiency actions

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. — March 6, 2026 — Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers not just to use the time to adjust their clocks, but as an annual reminder to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the warmer temperatures and longer days ahead.

“With warmer weather on the way, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you move your clocks forward by one hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire fatalities occur more often in homes without working smoke alarms. Verifying detectors function properly is one of the simple ways to protect you and your loved ones."

With spring approaching, customers can also use this season reminder to perform energy saving and safety tasks around the home, such as:

  • Changing the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50% of a home's energy use. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and to keep the system running efficiently.
  • Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep a dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out of the duct or tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.
  • Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, take time to caulk areas in and around a home where conditioned air may escape such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.

  • Installing hot water saving measures: Showering accounts for 40% of a home's hot water use, so energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot ​water use without sacrificing comfort.

  • Checking and restocking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check that emergency supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for the longer and warmer days ahead, customers can make a difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes, while managing their bills. For additional efficiency tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.