The proposed rate reduction is possible thanks to operational and maintenance cost savings resulting from the conversion of the Perry K Steam Plant from coal to clean-burning natural gas, which was completed in June 2014. The proposed rate reduction would take effect in early 2017. Exact rate impacts will vary based on consumption and other factors. Citizens serves approximately 160 business and institutional customers in the downtown area including state government facilities, the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and the IUPUI and IU Health campuses.

“We are very pleased to reduce rates for our steam customers in the downtown area. We know lower rates can help our steam customers reduce their costs and enhance their competitiveness in a world marketplace,” said Jeffrey Harrison, President & Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Energy Group. “The conversion of our Perry K Steam Plant to natural gas represents a big win for our customers and the environment.”

Since beginning the process of converting the Perry K Steam Plant from coal to natural gas in 2013, Citizens has returned $2 million in savings to its steam customers through a tracking mechanism approved by the IURC. Citizens expects to return comparable savings to customers through the same tracking mechanism prior to approval of the current request to reduce rates.

Converting the steam plant to natural gas has resulted in a 99% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, a 95% reduction in particulate emissions, and a 77% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. The conversion has also reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the plant by 40%.

“At Citizens, we define sustainability with three initials – EBC (Environment, Business and Community). The conversion of the Perry K Plant to natural gas is providing benefits in each of these important sustainability components,” said Harrison.

About Citizens Energy Group

Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 800,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities only for the benefit of customers and the community. Additional information is available online at Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - YouTube