Duke Energy has chosen two properties in Connersville and Westfield, Indiana, for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. The program is designed to prepare industrial sites for economic development and promote them to companies seeking expansion or relocation opportunities.
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 2013, the Site Readiness Program has prepared 51 properties in Duke Energy’s service area. These sites have led to 30 significant projects that created over 10,000 jobs and attracted $14.7 billion in capital investment across Indiana.
For each selected site, Duke Energy collaborates with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group to assess potential. The company then works with local economic development teams on strategies for site readiness. Each property receives $10,000 from Duke Energy to support these efforts.
The selected sites for the 2025 program are:
– The 100 Acre Industrial Site in Connersville covers 104 acres near a former manufacturing plant with accessible utilities and proximity to rail service.
– NorthPoint II in Westfield spans more than 169 acres adjacent to NorthPoint Business Park. This greenfield site is suitable for large-scale projects including advanced manufacturing.
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.”
Jenell Fairman, economic development director for Westfield, added, ”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 efforts have earned recognition from Site Selection magazine as one of its “Top Utilities in Economic Development.” In 2024 alone, these initiatives contributed $7 billion in capital investment supporting more than 2,800 jobs statewide.
Duke Energy Indiana serves approximately 920,000 customers with about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity across a 23,000-square-mile territory. Parent company Duke Energy operates nationwide as one of America’s largest energy holding firms.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through their news center online.
