Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has issued an executive order directing state officials to explore options for extending the operation of some coal-fired power plants as the state prepares for increased electricity demand tied to new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
The executive order directs Indiana’s Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources to identify opportunities to reopen retired coal plants or delay the retirement of certain facilities. The move comes as technology companies continue proposing large-scale data center projects that are expected to require significant amounts of electricity.
The announcement follows recent federal actions involving Indiana coal facilities. The Trump Administration renewed orders requiring the continued operation of the Culley and Schahfer coal plants. Both Schahfer coal units have experienced operational issues, while CenterPoint Energy, the owner of the Culley plant, previously asked the U.S. Department of Energy not to renew an emergency order requiring the facility to remain open. CenterPoint said keeping the plant operating would require substantial investment in what it described as an increasingly inefficient and unreliable asset.
Supporters of keeping additional energy resources available say maintaining existing power generation could help meet future electricity demands as Indiana attracts more industrial development and technology investments.
However, environmental advocates have raised concerns about the potential costs associated with extending the life of aging coal facilities. Robyn Skuya-Boss, Hoosier Chapter Director, criticized the governor’s action, questioning whether the long-term financial impacts on Indiana ratepayers have been fully considered.
“Communities across Indiana are speaking out and challenging plans for developing data centers in their neighborhood,” Skuya-Boss said. She questioned who is requesting continued coal operations to support AI data centers and called for a closer review of potential costs to Hoosier families.
The executive order comes as Indiana works to balance growing energy needs, economic development opportunities, and decisions about the future of the state’s energy infrastructure. State officials are expected to evaluate options for maintaining reliable electricity supplies while considering the costs and impacts of extending the operation of older coal facilities.