Alliant Energy wind farm in Eden and Empire gets go-ahead

Daily Reporter (Milwaukee), May 15, 2007 by Paul Snyder

Wisconsin Power and Light Company received unanimous approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Wednesday to build Alliant Energy's first owned wind farm.

The Cedar Ridge Wind Farm, which will be spread over 12.2 square miles in Eden and Empire, will generate between 60 and 99 megawatts of energy, which can power between 15,000 and 25,000 average residential homes.

"Cedar Ridge Wind Farm is the first step in our plan to add 300 megawatts of renewable energy for our Wisconsin customers by the end of 2009," said Kim Zuhlke, Alliant's vice president of new energy resources in a statement. "Investments in renewable energy are not only good for the environment, they benefit local and state economies as well."

WPL will provide the PSC with a revised project schedule that will outline construction studies in relation to ongoing avian and bat studies. Upon approval, access road and foundation work is expected to begin this year, with installation of the turbines slated for 2008. The wind farm, estimated at $180 million, is expected to be operational by the end of 2008.

WPL will also review the PSC's written order on the company's application for fixed financial parameters for Cedar Ridge Wind Farm, filed under the provisions of Wisconsin Act 7. Act 7 allows Wisconsin utilities to request that the PSC establish, in advance, the principal financial terms and conditions that will apply irrevocably to a new electric generating facility. After reviewing the written order, WPL will determine whether to make the investment in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Act 7 decision, or through traditional rate recovery.