Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company has filed plans with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to build a wind project that the company expects will lower energy costs for Wisconsin customers starting in 2020.
The proposed project will be located in north central Iowa, which has consistently strong wind resources, the company notes.
“We are providing our customers with more renewable energy that will keep rates competitive and help bolster economic development in our communities,” states John Larsen, president of Alliant Energy. “Wind energy continues to play a major role in diversifying our energy mix and transitioning us to a clean energy future.”
The 60-turbine project, sited in Kossuth County, Iowa, would add 150 MW of wind energy, enough to power an additional 70,000 homes. Wisconsin customers already benefit from wind through Alliant Energy’s ownership in three wind farms, the company notes.
Alliant Energy has entered into a contract with Invenergy to purchase the project after development is complete. A decision from the PSCW is expected in early 2019, and if the project is approved, construction is expected to start in summer 2019. This project will not affect the company’s recently announced plans to keep base rates flat through 2020, notes Alliant Energy.
Including this project, Alliant Energy plans to invest approximately $2 billion in cost-competitive wind energy across Iowa and Wisconsin by the end of 2020. These significant investments are helping the company achieve its target of reducing carbon dioxide 40% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
