Media Contact: Steve Schultz (608) 458-3285
Construction work underway at Columbia Energy Center
Groundbreaking ceremony held this morning for environmental controls project
MADISON, WI – April 16, 2012 – Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), an Alliant Energy company, on behalf of our co-owners, Madison Gas and Electric and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, is pleased to announce that construction is officially underway to install additional emissions reduction technology at the Columbia Energy Center near Portage.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on site this morning and the co-owners were joined by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairman Phil Montgomery, other state and local officials as well as representatives of the many craft labor unions who will be performing the work over the course of this three-year project.
The co-owners are adding scrubber and baghouse systems to both Units 1 and 2 to reduce sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions by 90% on each Unit, which will allow for compliance with both state and federal emissions requirements.
“This project not only represents an investment in cleaner energy for all of Wisconsin, it also represents an investment in Columbia County and the state,” explained Pat Kampling – Chairman, President and CEO of Alliant Energy. “Between the materials and services being purchased from Wisconsin companies and the good paying Wisconsin construction jobs, this project is already providing a positive economic impact to the region and the state.”
“At its peak this project will put 600 Wisconsinites to work,” said Governor Walker. “On average over the course of the three year project 300-400 people will be working on the construction. As an added bonus, not only will this project employ hundreds, but it will also help protect the environment.”
This project represents a total investment of approximately $627 million, with WPL’s portion totaling approximately $300 million.
Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), based in Madison, Wis., provides electric service to approximately 459,000 customers and natural gas service to approximately 180,000 customers in more than 600 communities across central and southern Wisconsin. WPL is committed to providing the energy and exceptional service its customers and communities expect – safely, reliably, and affordably. WPL is a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation, for more information, visit alliantenergy.com or call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).
