Continues to Build on State’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
MADISON – Today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved construction
of Madison Gas and Electric’s (MG&E) Top of Iowa Wind Farm in northern Iowa. Approval of
this wind project takes Wisconsin another step closer to meeting the state’s goal of producing
25% of our energy from renewable energy sources by the year 2025.
“This project is consistent with the state’s commitment to rely more on renewable energy
resources and fighting the effects of global warming,” said Chairperson Dan Ebert. “Today’s
decision brings the state’s total wind generation to over 500 megawatts. It simply makes both
economic and environmental sense for Wisconsin.”
In a verbal decision today, the Commission approved MG&E’s request to build 18 wind turbines
near Kensett, Iowa in Worth County. The total capacity of the project is approximately 30
megawatts.
“I wholeheartedly support this renewable project and applaud MG&E for their efficiency in
making the project a reality,” said Commissioner Mark Meyer. “This project is another step to
significantly and positively impact our environment and meet the goals outlined in the state’s
energy efficiency and renewables legislation.”
Last year, Governor Doyle signed Act 141 into law, a bipartisan effort to increase energy
efficiency and renewables in Wisconsin. The law calls for the state’s utilities to produce 10
percent of Wisconsin’s electricity from renewables by 2015, encourages government agencies to
improve energy efficiency, and strengthens the state’s energy efficiency programs. The
Governor later launched Wisconsin’s “Declaration of Energy Independence” which set goals for
the state to produce 25% of the its energy by the year 2025, reduce the use of fossil fuels and to
become a national leader in alternative energy research.
The Commission will issue a final order based on today’s discussion. Documents associated
with the Top of Iowa Wind Farm can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing
System at http://psc.wi.gov/. Type case numbers 3270-CE 126 in the boxes provided on the PSC
homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.