Duke Energy has chosen two sites in Connersville and Westfield, Indiana, for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. This initiative aims to prepare selected business and industrial locations for future economic development and market them to companies seeking expansion or relocation opportunities.
Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana, stated, “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 assisted with preparing 51 properties across its service area. These efforts have contributed to 30 major projects that have brought over 10,000 jobs and $14.7 billion in capital investment to Indiana.
The company works with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group for site evaluation before collaborating with local professionals on marketing strategies. Each selected site receives $10,000 from Duke Energy to support project readiness.
The two sites chosen for the upcoming year are:
– The 100 Acre Industrial Site in Connersville: This location covers 104 acres across three parcels near the former Visteon manufacturing plant. Utilities are accessible at the site, which is also close to short line rail service.
Brad Colter, CEO/President of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County said, “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: This property spans more than 169 acres next to NorthPoint Business Park. It is suited for large-scale projects such as advanced manufacturing or corporate campuses.
Jenell Fairman, economic development director for Westfield commented, ”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 ongoing economic development initiatives were recognized by international publication Site Selection on its annual list of “Top Utilities in Economic Development.” In 2024 alone, these efforts helped generate $7 billion in capital investment supporting more than 2,800 jobs statewide.
Duke Energy Indiana serves approximately 920,000 customers over a 23,000-square-mile area with about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity—making it Indiana’s largest electricity provider.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, operates as one of America’s largest energy holding companies serving millions across six states with both electric and natural gas utilities. The company continues investing heavily into grid modernization projects as well as cleaner generation sources like renewables and energy storage.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or via their social media channels.
