The environmental group says some regulated utilities like Duke are self-scheduling coal plants. That means theyre deciding to run coal plants even when energy from the grid is cheaper.

Duke Energy is seeking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission's approval for the rate hike for its 840,000 Indiana electric customers.

The coal-burning Wabash River Generating Station near Terre Haute began operating in 1953 and was closed in 2016.

Duke Energy announced workforce development grants for six Indiana organizations Thursday afternoon. Its aimed at providing new talent to the industrys aging workforce.

Other schools in the state, such as the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University, have their own solar projects already underway.

Duke Energy released its 20-year plan this week including hopes to retire some of its coal plants early. But environmentalists say the utility isnt keeping up with the faster trend toward renewable energy.

Duke Energy says it has reduced carbon emissions by 31% since 2005 and is working toward a 40% reduction by 2030.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management sent letters to utilities in December noting that it can't give approval until utilities show how the plans will control contamination.

The state is considering three routes to relocate the power lines - two of which are along state-owned property.

Duke estimates that by 2020, customers will save an average of about $7, or 5.6 percent, on their average monthly electric bill.