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Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Ind. Gov't. - "More Duke e-mails raise questions"
John Russell continues coverage of the Duke / IURC story today, with a new front-page story headed "More Duke e-mails raise questions: A cap on Edwardsport project's cost overruns was discussed with IURC, CEO's letter shows." Today's long story begins with coverage of what appears to be a proactive or preemptive effort on the part of Duke:
In a new, surprising twist regarding Duke Energy Corp.'s secret communications with Indiana regulators, the utility's chairman on Monday alerted state officials to new e-mails that are sure to raise more questions about the company's conduct.James Rogers, chairman and chief executive officer of Duke, told the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission he has reviewed 9,000 e-mails that "when taken together, might be construed to suggest" that improper conversations have taken place regarding the potential settlement of cost overruns at the company's power plant under construction in Edwardsport, Ind.
A group of large industrial customers who have seen some of the e-mails say they are evidence of improper influence, with numerous comments about secret intelligence and the need to keep talks quiet. State law sharply restricts utilities from engaging in private conversations on pending matters with regulators.
However, Rogers wrote in his letter to the IURC that he does not believe the e-mails "conclusively evidence" any improper communication.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on March 8, 2011 10:44 AM
Posted to Indiana Government