This 1910 photograph [Northern Indiana Historical Society] shows workers installing utility poles for telephone lines near Walkerton. The horse-drawn wagons are carrying tools, equipment and telephones. Printed on one of the vehicle’s umbrella are the words H. B. Worster & Sons. By the 1890s, telephone usage was becoming relatively common in businesses and even some residences. On the dirt road by the wagon’s rear wheel is a new telephone. Another can be seen by the front tire of the Ford automobile. The area’s first private, direct-dial telephone, installed in 1895 at the main office of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works, connected the Oliver factory with the South Bend Tribune. Most telephones had party lines, in which two or more locations shared a common line, and required the assistance of an operator to place calls. Both James Oliver and his son, J.D., owners of the Oliver company, had telephones in their homes. The 1896 South Bend telephone directory gives James’ telephone number as 141; J.D.’s was 145. Special notations by their listings indicated their equipment had the capability to make long-distance calls—not a standard feature on all telephones. Donated by Jane McCombs.
Several 1962 Indiana newspapers showed same photos with similar Public Service Company stories.
A look back: On the invention of the telephone and telegraph in the mid-1800s, it became apparent that a widespread electrical grid would be necessary to utilize these new technologies. Though electricity was first transmitted over long distances by physicist Stephen Gray in 1729, the damp hemp cord he used was neither efficient nor adequate, and upgrades in long-distance transmission technology were required. At first, metal lines were strung between trees, but later freestanding wooden poles were used where trees weren’t convenient. Groups of men who erected these poles and wires became known as linemen. Many were itinerant workers, called “boomers,” who traveled from city to city when new jobs became available. In St. Joseph County, several electrical plants required their services, most notably the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company, which was formed in 1904.
As the lineman created the infrastructure for today’s quality of life, they were often not equipped with standardized tools or adequate training. Linemen faced hazards from falling or electrocution, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. It is estimated that circa 1900 one out of three line workers died on the job. Inventor and electrical pioneer Thomas Edison remarked on its danger. When Edison was asked his opinion on how to best execute criminals using electricity, his reply was, “Hire them out as linemen to some of the New York Power Companies.” Eventually, line workers formed labor unions, which mandated safety precautions, though a lineman’s job remains one of the most hazardous in the country.
This photograph, donated to The History Museum by Jack Woodham, shows linemen working for the Indiana Michigan Power Company posing with their truck in the 1920s. Though the South Bend Electric Company was the first power plant in the city, I&M was the longest lasting. Its Beaux-Arts building at 401 E. Colfax Avenue was constructed in 1911 and is now the Commerce Center Building.
Check out this photo of a wind turbine that was being assembled at Wildcat-1 Wind Farm near Elwood, Indiana. Wildcat-1...
Check out this photo of a wind turbine that was being assembled at Wildcat-1 Wind Farm near Elwood, Indiana. Wildcat-1 is expected to provide 100 MW of power to I&M by the end of the year. As of the end of August, three turbines have been fully assembled, and there will be a total of 125 turbines at the site.
Supporting solar is now more affordable than ever - just 93 cents per block! Learn more at https://indianamichiganpower.com/info/news/viewRelease.aspx?releaseID=2142 #IMSolar #solarenergy
Supporting solar is now more affordable than ever - just 93 cents per block!
Solar, wind and hydro complement two 24/7 baseload plants. Our diverse mix of over 60% emission-free power sources delivers low-cost energy you can always count on. IndianaMichiganPower.com/PowerCleanandSimple
Solar, wind and hydro complement two 24/7 baseload plants. Our diverse mix of over 60% emission-free power sources delivers low-cost energy you can always count on. IndianaMichiganPower.com/PowerCleanandSimple
An outage yesterday was caused by mylar balloons in a substation. Sadly, this is not a joke. Please dispose of your balloons responsibly.
Get the facts about Rockport. FACTS LINK IS NO LONGER ONLINE
American Electric Power Co. Inc. could shut down both units at its massive Rockport coal plant in Indiana before the end of 2028 after reaching a settlement agreement with numerous parties, including consumer and environmental advocates.
AEP utility Indiana Michigan Power Co. and wholesale subsidiary AEP Generating Co. agreed to retire the second unit at the 2,600-MW Rockport coal plant in Spencer County, Ind., "no later than December 31, 2028" as part of the agreement reached with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the I&M Industrial Group, Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana Inc., the Sierra Club and municipalities.
The parties filed their settlement agreement Sept. 13 with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC cause 45546) and are seeking an order on or before Dec. 15.
More Flexibility to Best Serve Customers
The four new solar facilities mark an important next step in I&M’s continuing transition to a more diverse energy supply and meeting the need for new sources to energize homes and businesses as the coal-fueled units at our Rockport, Ind., generation plant phase out of service. The Rockport Plant will be fully retired by the end of 2028.
While I&M’s Cook Nuclear Plant in Michigan consistently generates energy 24/7 as the anchor of I&M’s generation, the variety of additional energy sources strengthen I&M’s resilience. I&M ANNOUNCES 4 NEW INDIANA SOLAR POWER PLANTS April 3, 2023
We have issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) for additional emission-free generation to serve our customers. We are...
We have issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) for additional emission-free generation to serve our customers. We are seeking proposals to nearly double our renewable energy with 450MW of additional solar, wind, and potentially battery storage.
It’s a beautiful day at the St. Joseph Solar Farm in Michiana!
Fun fact: there are approximately 57, 720 solar panels that will generate 20 megawatts of electricity — enough to power 2,700 homes annually. #boundlessenergy
We celebrate the Earth by investing in renewable energy! The 20-megawatt St. Joseph Solar Farm will soon add even more...
We celebrate the Earth by investing in renewable energy! The 20-megawatt St. Joseph Solar Farm will soon add even more green energy to our mix. Between Nuclear, Solar, Wind and Hydro, more than 85% of the energy we delivered in 2020 was emission-free. #EarthDay2021[ the other 15% is the coal fired Rockport plant scheduled to shut down in 2028 ]
The sun is rising at the St. Joseph Solar Farm. We’re excited for today’s unveiling of the 20-megawatt facility, signaling the flow of local renewable energy!
The sun is rising at the St. Joseph Solar Farm. We’re excited for today’s unveiling of the 20-megawatt facility, signaling the flow of local renewable energy!
Graduations are events to be celebrated, but this is not. Mylar balloons conduct electricity and can cause outages when...
Graduations are events to be celebrated, but this is not. Mylar balloons conduct electricity and can cause outages when they contact power lines, like this bunch in South Bend. Please properly secure and dispose of your balloons to avoid potential outages.
American Electric Power is proud to be a founding member of the National Electric Highway Coalition. The coalition is...
American Electric Power is proud to be a founding member of the National Electric Highway Coalition. The coalition is committed to providing electric vehicle (EV) fast charging ports that will allow the public to drive EVs with confidence along major U.S. travel corridors by the end of 2023. Learn more about it here: Electric Companies Join Together to Form National Electric Highway Coalition
We will begin raising the water level upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant starting 3/22. The reservoir was...
We will begin raising the water level upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant starting 3/22. The reservoir was lowered two feet in 12/21 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 operating level. More info: I&M to Raise Reservoir Level at Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant archived on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.
#ElectricVehicles are the wave of the future. Legislation that paves the way for EV charging stations across the state...
I&M President & COO Steve Baker kicks off our month-long focus on sustainability with some stats demonstrating how we're redefining the future of energy.
I&M President & COO Steve Baker kicks off our month-long focus on sustainability with some stats demonstrating how we're redefining the future of energy. [ 80% of power delivered in 2021 was carbon emission free ]
At I&M, we’re investing in the future of clean energy. In 2020, more than 85% of our energy came from emission-free sources!
Achieving America’s clean energy objectives requires a transformation of the electric sector. AEP's smart investments in clean energy today — including renewables and advanced technologies — aim to stabilize costs and stimulate economic growth in the future.
We endorse expanding the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles. They represent the future of transportation and Indiana should be a leader. Adam H. Berry details how action taken in the 2022 legislation session puts the state on that path. Learn more about Chamber-supported policies in our Policy Center: www.indianachamber.com/policy #EVs #electricvehicles
We endorse expanding the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles. They represent the future of transportation and Indiana should be a leader. Adam H. Berry details how action taken in the 2022 legislation session puts the state on that path.
We were proud to be a trusted energy advisor to the City of Kendallville on McCray solar field. We worked with the city through the Distributed Generation and interconnection process.
Read more about the project here: Kendallville dedicates McCray solar field [ Now, the new solar field is aiming to generate about 85% of the annual electricity needed by the wastewater plant next door, an investment that will become more lucrative over time as energy costs increase.]
🌳 We love trees — we just hate power outages! 🌲 So this Arbor Day, take a moment to consider the mature height and spread of the tree you’re planting. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
Celebrating? Please make sure these festive decorations are tightly secured and disposed of properly. They can become tangled in lines and cause outages and safety hazards for our crews. If you see balloons on lines, NEVER try to remove them yourself. Call us. #SafetySaturday
We’re proud of the work being done across AEP that put us on this year’s JUST 100 list from JUST Capital and made us the...
We’re proud of the work being done across AEP that put us on this year’s JUST 100 list from JUST Capital and made us the top-ranked utility.
“Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, building an engaged, inclusive workforce or enabling economic development opportunities, AEP is focused on delivering energy solutions that empower our customers and communities,” said Julie Sloat, president and CEO.
Earlier this week, we announced plans for an additional four solar power plants capable of generating power for more than 200,000 typical homes by mid-2026. “These steps are the result of exhaustive studies and a stakeholder process that included input from advocates for customers, communities, the environment and more,” said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating officer.
In celebration of National Drive Electric Week, the City's Public Works Division highlighted Fort Wayne's electric vehicle (EV) charging station efforts and shared plans for the future.
We are improving reliability - one tree at a time. We love trees. We just hate power outages. Trees and brush are the No. 1 cause of power outages. We have a proactive plan to prevent tree outages, and it’s already paying off for our customers.
INDOT has announced locations for the first round of EV fast charging stations selected through Charging the Crossroads, INDOT’s plan to expand Indiana’s statewide EV charging network along interstates and highways as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
We own and operate six hydroelectric facilities along the St. Joseph River. How do we maintain the facilities? With dedication to safety and 24/7 monitoring. Learn all about it: http://ms.spr.ly/6183csfxf
We own and operate six hydroelectric facilities along the St. Joseph River. How do we maintain the facilities? With dedication to safety and 24/7 monitoring.
The preparation phase is nearing completion as we gear up to perform maintenance work at the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant. Read more: http://ms.spr.ly/6188cF9Gq
Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels. It enables dual or even triple land-use, through simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and #solarphotovoltaic power generation. Beets, potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots are crops suitable for agrivoltaics.
Many formerly fertile agricultural areas located in mild climate zones suffer from progressive infertility due to rising #temperature or #waterscarcity. Other areas are exposed to extreme weather phenomena. Agrivoltaic projects could help with both, restoring fertile conditions to areas in progressive abandonment. Thereby contributing in solving #climatechange. There has been implementation of #agrivoltaics research projects in Germany, South Korea, France, the USA and Japan.
APV-MaGa is a research and development project focusing on and exploring the potential, the economic and technical feasibility of agrivoltaics in #SubSaharanAfrica - Mali and The Gambia and #eastafrica- Kenya.
There are no researches conducted in Cameroon yet but there is high potential for #agrivoltaics as electrification rates are often low and #foodsecurity needs to be improved.
This new solar panel system may be the future of carbon-neutral farming 🍎
Designed by a German renewable energy...
This new solar panel system may be the future of carbon-neutral farming
Designed by the CPE company, This agrivoltaic system simultaneously uses land for solar power and agriculture, While protecting the fruit below from harmful natural elements, These solar panels let enough light through to allow the crops below to thrive.
Agrivoltaic farming doubles, even triples, the amount of production farm lands can support. Livestock love the shade, many crops benefit from decreased moisture loss.
Agrivoltaic farming doubles, even triples, the amount of production farm lands can support. Livestock love the shade, many crops benefit from decreased moisture loss.
If you live in Allen or DeKalb counties, you may notice a helicopter like this one flying around next week. Here's how it helps I&M manage power for the area: https://trib.al/b9MOUxG
Is there enough land in the U.S. for new solar projects without pushing farmland out of production? https://www.agweb.com/news/policy/politics/john-phipps-can-push-more-solar-energy-and-farmland-coexist
We’ve made a promise to our customers: we will retire all coal-fired generation between 2026 and 2028.
*NIPSCO has sold in the past, and in the future may sell, the Renewable Energy Credits from this generation to a third party because this helps keep our energy more affordable for our customers.Working every day for a more sustainable tomorrow.
Around 34:56, John Phipps tackles arguments against solar panels on the farm and farm CO2 crop sequestration.
U.S. Farm Report 06/24/23 Premiered June 24, 2023
by Farm Journal on YouTube
Join us this weekend on U.S. Farm Report as we take a look across the nation as drought tightens its grip on the Midwest crop. Get insights from a conversation we had with USDA-Nass as crop conditions saw a historic drop this past week. We will also take a look at the Texas cotton crop as more drought plagues the cotton crop as well. Additionally, we'll explore the impact of drought on the grain markets, providing valuable perspectives. Don't miss out on John's World, where our host shares his latest observations, along with engaging discussions on customer support, marketing roundtables, and other exciting weekly segments!
On the air for more than four decades, U.S. Farm Report remains the longest-running syndicated television program focusing on agriculture, rural issues and the country lifestyle. Hosted by award-winning journalist Tyne Morgan, a new edition of the program airs each weekend on stations coast-to-coast. Along with perspectives from Tyne, U.S. Farm Report includes weekly contributions from meteorologist Mike Hoffman, commentary from John Phipps along with a stable of the nation’s leading market analysts.
Fun Fact- Farmers can continue farming right up to the base of a turbine when they add #WindEenergy to their land. It's a perfect blend of agriculture and #AlternativeEnergy. Like and follow our page to stay in touch as we expand our efforts to share info about local opportunities to support farmers in your area.
#DidYouKnowalternative energy creates over 11 thousand local jobs, almost 30 million in lease payments for Indiana’s farmers, and 29.4 million in tax payments for Indiana’s communities annually? Click the link to see how Indiana is benefitting from #WindEnergy and #SolarEnergy>>>
Exciting News for Hoosiers! In 2023, Indiana saw a remarkable surge in solar development! According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, it was Indiana's top year in solar megawatts installed. Let's continue to support Indiana's farmers as they work to integrate renewable energy onto their land, securing a more financially stable future for the next generation of farmers. Read more > > >
We love trees — we just hate power outages! 
Learn more here: 
Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels. It enables dual or even triple land-use, through simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and 
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