Elkhart, Ind., March 14, 2022 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will begin raising the water level upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant starting Monday, March 21. 

The reservoir was lowered two feet in December 2021 to reduce ice buildup and upstream flooding. The reservoir will slowly be raised about six inches per day over a three-to-four-day period to its spring and summer time operating level. I&M operates the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant in accordance with its license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Those who live along the St. Joseph River, within eight miles upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant, should be aware of the change in water levels in case of any work that needs to be finished along the riverbank.

The Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant, has been owned and operated by I&M since 1913. It is one of six run-of-river hydroelectric plants on the St. Joseph River. “Run-of-river” means all water goes through the generation equipment inside the hydroelectric facility and then the water is passed out of the facility and returned to the river. Combined, I&M’s six hydroelectric facilities generate more than 22 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 15,000 homes a year.

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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2021 was emission-free.  I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.

American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 6,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Schnee’ Doyle

Communications Consult Sr.

(574) 218-5987

smgarrett@aep.com