PSCW Approves WPL's Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Project (Wisconsin)

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=48447

Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), an Alliant Energy company, just received unanimous approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) on its Certificate of Authority (CA) application to construct Alliant Energy's first wind farm, Cedar Ridge Wind Farm.

When complete, Cedar Ridge Wind Farm will generate between 60 and 99 megawatts (MW) of energy, and will consist of 41 wind turbines spread out over a 12.2-square mile area in the Wisconsin townships of Eden and Empire in Fond du Lac County.

"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, vice president ofNew Energy Resources. "Investments in renewable energy are not only good for the environment, they benefit local and state economies as well."

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

<more>