NiSource announced a long-term agreement with Microsoft on October 16. Data Center Dynamics covered the agreement October 19. The 20-year arrangement is expected to support the Indiana data center campus with service from 2028, subject to the stated plans and conditions.
About 1,100MW is expected to be added to the GenCo pool. The separate 600MW battery resource serves multiple large-load customers. It cannot be treated as 55% of Microsoft’s increment or stacked as Microsoft-specific capacity.
Microsoft’s La Porte project update documents grading from May and a June 18 groundbreaking. The power agreement therefore does not establish that utility terms preceded site control or construction.
Implications: Developers should distinguish contracted service timing from shared pool resources and actual site progress. The contract price was not disclosed.
Key Takeaways
- Expected service timing remains prospective.
- Shared battery resources are not a Microsoft-specific capacity allocation.
- La Porte site work predates the October power announcement.
NiSource, October 16, 2026: https://investors.nisource.com/financial-news/news-details/2026/NiSource-announces-long-term-agreement-with-Microsoft-expected-to-increase-customer-savings-and-support-Indianas-economic-growth/default.aspx · Microsoft La Porte project chronology: https://local.microsoft.com/blog/la-porte-public-meeting-recap/ · NiSource SEC filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1111711/000119312526423375/d114059d8k.htm
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