Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
Bright Ideas
Barnes & Thornburg attorneys obtained one of the first Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) sought under Indiana's Utility Powerplant Construction Act and since that time has routinely represented energy clients in seeking CPCNs for new generation. We have helped energy clients obtain CPCNs for approval of various pollution control equipment to comply with environmental air and/or water regulations.
Utilities turn to us for assistance with obtaining pre-approval of plant additions. We represented a sewer utility in a precedent-setting case before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that established the standard for pre-approval of capacity additions. In addition, our attorneys have advised a water utility in obtaining approval of its replacement source of supply intake tunnel under Lake Michigan, and a gas utility in obtaining approval of a 20-mile pipeline extension to serve one of the largest economic development projects in Indiana's history.