Contact: Teresa Weidemann-Smith, (608) 266-9600
MADISON – In an oral decision today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Wisconsin Power and Light Company’s (WPL) and Wisconsin Electric Power Company’s (WEPCO) joint application to install pollution control equipment at Edgewater Generating Station’s Unit 5, a 380 megawatt coal plant in Sheboygan County.
The PSC’s decision allows WP&L and WEPCO to install a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) for nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal at the Edgewater plant. Edgewater’s Unit 5 is jointly owned by WP&L and WEPCO, with WP&L owning a 75% share of the unit and WEPCO owning 25% of the unit. The $154 million project will utilize SCR technology that will reduce Unit 5’s emissions beginning in May 2013.
“This unit is one of the more efficient plants in eastern Wisconsin, and it produces a significant portion of the Wisconsin Power and Light’s energy,” said Chairperson Eric Callisto. “The upgrade will allow this unit to continue to run and makes economic sense for ratepayers.”
“The application was very clear in detailing the need for pollution controls while also meeting Department of Natural Resources requirements,” said Commission Mark Meyer. “Ultimately, this action will benefit Wisconsin as we step forward in reducing emissions.”
“Today’s action is based on a record that shows pollution controls make economic sense for this coal-fired unit,” said Commissioner Lauren Azar. “As current environmental policies intersect with new policies like carbon emission limitations, the PSC must be proactive in its considerations. I look forward to the Commission generic investigation to identify which units it may make economic sense to retire rather than continue operation.”
Sheboygan County is designated as an ozone non-attainment area for the 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. This means the Edgewater facility is subject to Reasonably Achievable Control Technology Phase II requirements for NOx emissions.
SCR technology, as demonstrated at numerous other generating stations, has the capability of removing up to 90% of inlet NOx from the flue gas. The project will allow WP&L and WEPCO to meet their obligations under state and federal clean air laws.
