The Wisconsin utility subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation has received unanimous approval from the state’s public service commission to construct its 200-MW wind farm in Minnesota, calling it a “crucial step” forward.

Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) received the approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to construct the Bent Tree Wind Farm yesterday [July 9].

The Bent Tree Wind Farm is planned to be built in nearby state Minnesota’s Freeborn County in 32,500 acres of land. Alliant Energy said construction will cost approximately $425 to $475 million, excluding allowance for construction funds.

"The development of the Bent Tree Wind Farm is a crucial step for our company as we continue down the path to a greener future,” WPL President Barbara Swan said.

WPL will next await decisions from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for its site permit and certificate of need applications. These, along with a route permit application with Freeborn County, are expected later this summer, the utility said.

When operational, Bent Tree Wind farm will produce enough electricity to power 50,000 homes. It will be WPL’s second fully-owned and operated wind project, following the commissioning of the 68-MW Fond du Lac County wind farm in Wisconsin last December. WPL is aiming for 12% renewable energy generation by 2012.

Alliant Energy, through WPL, currently serves some 450,000 electric and 175,000 natural gas customers in Wisconsin.


- Eric Dorente

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Source:

¹ http://www.alliantenergy.com/Newsroom/RecentPressReleases/023689