Reader: moving towards green energy isn’t as simple as you may think

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Dear Editor:

I am writing to discuss the ongoing energy transition. There have been recent letters claiming that we are not transitioning fast enough, while others argue that we are moving too quickly. I encourage both sides to consider the perspective of Indiana’s grid operator regarding this “energy transition.”

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) oversees the power supply of 15 states, including Indiana. Earlier this year, MISO released its reliability assessment report, emphasizing that states are shutting down power sources at a pace that cannot keep up with current demand. The economic development projects we read about in the news require more power than our state’s largest manufacturing plants.

MISO’s report underscores the need for immediate action, urging lawmakers and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission not to permit further power shutdowns until demand is adequately met.

While adding wind and solar projects to the grid helps ensure additional power, it’s important to note that our grid requires baseload power sources, meaning power that works regardless of weather conditions. Currently, coal and natural gas serve as reliable baseload power sources. No matter how many wind turbines and solar panels are added, the grid will always require these reliable sources.

Until the state builds nuclear plants, which anyone favoring clean, low-cost energy should support, coal and natural gas will continue to serve as a bridge to a CO₂-free electric grid.

For those who may argue that California operates on renewables only, welcome to greenwashing. California shut down all its fossil fuel plants, but its electric supply is not solar alone. California, which often experiences rolling blackouts, imports more electricity than any other state, and the mix of electricity that supplies California includes fossil fuels.

Reliability and affordability are two critically important factors when discussing energy transition. Experts warn that we need more power, not less, at a time when our state’s energy demand continues to skyrocket. In terms of affordability, Hoosiers are burdened with paying the 32nd highest electric rates in the nation. I am confident that both issues will be addressed in the next legislative session.

Until then, for those interested in power supply or electric rates, I highly recommend keeping up with MISO’s ongoing reports and announcements.

Savannah Kerstiens
Indianapolis