Projected cost for new Alliant coal plant soars past $1 billion (WI)

[jpak]

http://www.madison.com/tct/business/291631

The cost for Alliant Energy's controversial proposed new coal power plant has soared to a range of $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion, the company stated in a regulatory filing.

Alliant previously said the new plant proposed to be the third unit of the Nelson Dewey Generating Station in Cassville would cost $850 million to $950 million. When initially proposed in 2007, the plant's cost estimate was under $800 million.

The company is facing heavy opposition from environmental groups as it seeks approval from the state Public Service Commission to build the 300-megawatt plant. Cassville is its top site option, while the Columbia Generation Station at Portage is No. 2.

Alliant also said in the filing that its cost estimate for capital expenditures for sulfur dioxide air pollution controls at the two existing coal units at Nelson Dewey would be about $200 million, nearly double the previously disclosed estimate of $116 million.

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