Midwest ISO Approves $1.3B in Upgrades

The Carmel-based Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. has announced it will spend $1.3 billion on the region's power grid.

Among other things, about 3,500 miles of transmission lines will be construction or enhanced. In addition, 19 bottlenecks along the Midwest power grid that can interrupt the orderly flow of electricity will be addressed. The plan also identifies ways to tap into wind and coal resources to assist in low-cost electricity generation.

The cost will be borne by ISO's 26 owner-members in 15 states, including Indiana members Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and Indiana Municipal Power Agency.

People Mover Stirs In Indianapolis

After two years of construction the Clarian People Mover has started moving.

The People Mover is an elevated, driver-less dual rail system operated by Clarian Health Partners, the joint-venture partnership among Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children.

The system will allow Clarian employees, staff and some patients to travel on a 1.5-mile track among the three campuses. Previously, they drove or relied on shuttle buses.

Blast Furnace Reline Done for Ispat Inland

Homewood, Ill.-based Graycor has replaced the refractory lining of blast furnace No. 5, which smelts iron from its ore to produce steel, at Ispat Inland's East Chicago, Ind., facility.

The new lining will allow Ispat Inland to increase production to 2,700 tons of molten iron per day and up to 3,000 tons a day when needed.