Duke Energy has announced the selection of two sites in Connersville and Westfield, Indiana, for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. This initiative aims to prepare business and industrial properties for future economic development and market them to companies considering expansion or relocation.
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 helped prepare 51 properties across its service area. These efforts have resulted in 30 major projects that brought over 10,000 jobs and $14.7 billion in capital investment to Indiana.
Duke Energy works with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group to assess high-potential locations before collaborating with local economic development officials on strategies for marketing these sites. Each selected property receives $10,000 from Duke Energy to support preparations for attracting potential projects.
The chosen locations for the upcoming year are:
– The 100 Acre Industrial Site in Connersville consists of three parcels totaling 104 acres. The site is located near the former Visteon manufacturing plant and offers access to utilities as well as proximity to short line rail service.
– NorthPoint II in Westfield covers more than 169 acres next to NorthPoint Business Park. This greenfield site is positioned for large-scale industrial developments such as megasite projects or corporate campuses.
Brad Colter, CEO/President of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County, commented on the partnership: “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.”
For nearly twenty years, international publication Site Selection has recognized Duke Energy’s economic development initiatives by including it among its annual list of top utilities supporting business growth. In 2024 alone, Duke Energy’s efforts generated $7 billion in capital investment supporting over 2,800 jobs across Indiana.
Duke Energy Indiana provides approximately 6,300 megawatts of electric capacity serving about 920,000 customers throughout a territory covering roughly 23,000 square miles—making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Parent company Duke Energy serves millions across six states through both electric utilities—with collective ownership exceeding 55 gigawatts—and natural gas distribution networks reaching over one million customers.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
