Vectren, consumer group reach settlement on solar farm rates

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - A consumer group that opposed a rate hike Vectren sought for a proposed 50-megawatt solar farm has reached a settlement with the utility.

The proposed settlement between Vectren, the Citizens Action Coalition and the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor includes a lower rate structure than Vectren originally sought. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will next consider the agreement.

Kerwin Olson is the Citizens Action Coalition's executive director. He calls the agreement "a small step" toward Indiana embracing clean and renewable energy.

The Evansville Courier & Press reports the proposed $76 million solar farm would have 150,000 solar panels in Spencer County.

Vectren spokeswoman Chase Kelley says the proposed settlement would use tax incentives associated with solar projects to enable the utility to spread project costs evenly over a 35-year period.

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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com