Wisconsin Power and Light Co. (WPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp., has filed a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for the proposed Bent Tree Wind Farm in Freeborn County, Minn. The project has the potential to produce up to 400 MW of energy.
WPL's CPCN application seeks PSCW approval to develop approximately 200 MW of wind power on the site beginning in 2009. A decision regarding the development of the wind farm's additional 200 MW has not yet been made. Pending all regulatory approvals, WPL anticipates 200 MW of the Bent Tree Wind Farm will be commercially operable by the end of 2010. The initial 200 MW phase of the project will cost approximately $450 million to $475 million, excluding allowance for funds used during construction, according to the utility.
‘WPL chose to develop the Bent Tree site in Minnesota because of the strong and persistent prairie winds of southern Minnesota,’ says Kim Zuhlke, vice president of new energy resources for Alliant Energy. ‘This wind resource enables us to generate more wind energy for our Wisconsin customers in a cost-effective manner.’
WPL expects the PSCW to issue a ruling by the end of the year. The utility also plans to file a certificate of need application and a siting application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission later this month.
SOURCE: Alliant Energy Corp.
