Electric service began in Indianapolis in the 1880s, pioneered by the predecessors to IPL.

The Continental Bank was under construction on Monument Circle in 1924 (with electricity supplied by Indianapolis Light and Heat Company as the sign attests).  This building would later become the Electric Building in 1935 when it was purchased by Indianapolis Power & Light Company.

As its communities have grown, so has IPL, which now owns and operates three primarily coal-fired generating plants and separate combustion turbines to generate approximately 3,353 MW of power. The company’s service territory now covers 528 square miles.

Since its inception, IPL has always strived to be one of the most environmentally friendly utilities in the Midwest and has employed extensive emissions reduction technologies from the time of its first power plants in the 1930s to today. Most recently, a $600 million, 10-year multi-pollutant reduction initiative is evidence that IPL is dedicated to generating power with the least possible impact on the environment.

During its long history, IPL has safely supplied its customers with some of the lowest cost, most reliable power in the country. IPL also provides critical economic and energy-related information and services to businesses looking to expand or relocate into the Indianapolis area. And the company works with customers to help them use electricity more efficiently, save energy costs and improve productivity.

IPL’s commitment to the communities it serves takes many forms, including the company’s “signature” programs – IPL Golden Eagle Grants, IPL Golden Apple Awards and Trees for Tomorrow.

Cleaning street lights in 1919 was a job for three men, a boy, a horse and wagon.  However, motorized vehicles were already beginning to nudge the horse out of the business, as the signs on the store windows behind the team indicate.