I&M Touts Plans For Watervliet Solar Facility

facility

Indiana Michigan Power is preparing to begin construction on a new 50 thousand-panel solar power generating facility in Watervliet, and at a Tuesday open house, residents got to learn more about the plans. I&M Spokesperson Tracy Warner says the facility will generate about 4.6 megawatts of power, about enough for 600 homes a year. He says most residents are receptive.

“It’s been mostly positive,” Warner told WSJM. “This facility is on a former farm, and we had a number of farmers wondering what’s happening with that property. They seemed to be supportive of it, and think it’s a good use of the property.”

One woman told us she’s concerned about what the solar farm will do to the view, but added I&M has indicated a willingness to work with her on that. Another wanted to know if her electric bill will go down, and Warner said it will not. The facility, just east of town and south of Red Arrow Highway near an existing substation, is part of I&M’s ongoing effort to increase diversity in its energy portfolio. It’s hoped construction can begin in the spring, and the project can be finished by the end of the year.