PSC: Seeks public comment for biomass project

Contact: Teresa Weidemann-Smith (608) 266-9600

MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is seeking public comments for a proposed biomass-fired power plant project proposed by Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO) in Rothschild.

In March 2009, WEPCO filed an application with the PSC for permission to build a 50-megawatt, woody biomass-fired, cogeneration power plant on the Domtar Corporation paper mill property. This newly proposed unit would require about 500,000 tons of biomass fuel per year. It is expected that the fuel would largely be sourced from within a 75-mile or possibly a 100-mile radius of the plant.

Comments on the proposed project will be accepted until June 1, 2010. The comments are considered when staff is analyzing the proposal. Hearings to take testimony from the public regarding the project are expected to be held later this year. The exact dates and times have yet to be determined.

The PSC has the authority to approve, deny or modify proposed an electric construction project, such as this one. To ensure a full and complete record, the PSC follows a process outlined by state law for every case. Part of this process is to collect comments from public in the area. The Commission will need to determine, among other things, whether there is enough fuel available and whether it can be harvested in a sustainable, environmentally-sound manner.

To comment on the proposed project, visit the PSC’s website at http://psc.wi.gov, click on the Public Comments button and choose We Energies (WEPCO) Rothschild Biomass Cogen Project. For documents associated with the case, visit the PSC’s website at http://psc.wi.gov, click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing (ERF) system button and enter docket number 6630-CE-305.