Duke Energy has selected two sites in Indiana for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, aimed at preparing and marketing industrial properties for economic development. The chosen locations are a 104-acre site in Connersville and the NorthPoint II property, covering more than 169 acres in Westfield.
Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana, said, “Our economic development efforts have long been a key component of our work to power the vitality of our customers and communities. For more than a decade, we have partnered with local economic development organizations through our Site Readiness Program to help them stay competitive and market their sites and communities to prospective companies. It’s been a collaborative effort and instrumental tool to bring major economic development wins to the communities we serve – resulting in job creation, new tax dollars and investment.”
Since launching the program in 2013, Duke Energy has prepared 51 properties that have attracted 30 major projects across its service area. These initiatives have led to over 10,000 new jobs and nearly $14.7 billion in capital investments.
To support these developments, Duke Energy works with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group to assess potential sites before collaborating with local partners on marketing strategies. Each selected site receives $10,000 from Duke Energy for project preparation.
The Connersville site consists of three parcels located near a former manufacturing plant with accessible utilities and rail service. Brad Colter, CEO/President of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County stated: “This partnership will allow us to take a key step forward in preparing and marketing the site for future industrial use. We appreciate Duke Energy’s investment in our region and the proactive approach the company is taking to help ensure the communities it serves are positioned for long-term economic success.”
NorthPoint II in Westfield is adjacent to an existing business park with access suitable for large-scale manufacturing or corporate campuses. Jenell Fairman, economic development director for Westfield said: ”NorthPoint II is an opportunity for companies to establish themselves within one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. The state-of-the-art industrial park sits directly east of the U.S. 31 corridor and offers seamless access to I-465.
From assisting in site development to aiding in the recruitment of new investment projects, we’re grateful for Duke Energy’s support and collaboration to attract businesses to NorthPoint II and the city of Westfield.”
Duke Energy’s efforts have received national recognition; Site Selection magazine has included it among its annual list of top utilities for economic development over nearly twenty years. In 2024 alone, Duke Energy facilitated $7 billion in capital investment supporting more than 2,800 jobs across Indiana.
Duke Energy Indiana provides electricity service across a territory spanning about 23,000 square miles with roughly 920,000 customers.
Duke Energy as a whole serves millions across several states including Florida through both electric and natural gas utilities while investing heavily into grid modernization projects as part of its broader energy transition strategy.
