NIPSCo secures tax equity deal for build transfer project in Indiana

Northern Indiana Public Service Co (NIPSCo) has secured financial close after an unusual tax equity financing for a build transfer project in Indiana, which recently came into operation.

NIPSCo, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. completes its first two Indiana-based wind projects – Rosewater Wind and Jordan Creek Wind producing more cost-effective, cleaner energy for its customers across Indiana. 

Rosewater Wind Farm is a 102 megawatt (MW) facility located in White County, Ind. EDP Renewables North America LLC developed and constructed the project. The wind farm is owned and operated by a joint venture consisting of NIPSCO, the developer of the facility, and a tax equity investor.

The Rosewater Wind Farm was funded through tax equity investing. By using a tax equity investor that is currently able to utilize the tax benefits more efficiently, NIPSCO is able to provide electricity to customers at a lower cost versus traditional ownership. This use of a tax equity structure is a first in Indiana and one of the earliest examples of a utility engaging in such a structure in the country.

The Jordan Creek Wind Energy Center is a 400 MW wind farm located in Benton and Warren counties, near Williamsport, Ind. A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, built the facility and will be the owner and operator. The energy will serve NIPSCO customers under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The completed wind projects were selected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation that NIPSCO ran as part of its "Your Energy, Your Future" generation transition, which was announced in its 2018 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).