Consumer advocates have asked the state to deny the utility's request, saying it would lead to even higher bills for I&M customers.

Indiana Michigan Power workers installed a new, stand-alone pole Thursday near the nest the raptors had built on a utility pole inches from live electrical lines in the Noble County town of Avilla.

Rates are set to decrease by nearly 6 percent in two phases — the first is effective immediately, and the second will take effect in January 2023.

Indiana Michigan Power announced it plans to decrease residents' fixed monthly charges by about 1 percent in May and another roughly 4 percent in January 2023.

Indiana's consumer advocate for utilities is recommending that state regulators deny Indiana Michigan Power’s latest request for a rate increase.

Indiana & Michigan Power has said the facility will attract new businesses looking for renewable energy options to the Granger area, which is just northeast of South Bend.

The utility says the rate increase would go to pay for things like smart meters and electric vehicle charging stations.

The decision is part of an updated consent decree that was approved by a federal district court judge on Wednesday.

In May, Indiana Michigan Power announced a massive $600 million plan to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission it says would create a smarter energy grid for the state.

A utility is planning $478 million in infrastructure improvements at Cook Nuclear Plant in southwestern Michigan and is asking for higher rates to help pay for it.