CONTACT: Jay Mundinger
Highland Project Spokesperson
(414) 736-9245
Project Moves Forward and Enters State Regulatory Review
(New Richmond, Wis.) – The Highland Wind Project received an all-important approval for a $5 million substation proposed for the town of Cylon. The substation will be a critical component of the project as electricity generated by the 41 proposed turbines will need to be distributed to the region for residential and commercial use.
“We’re elated that more residents and elected officials are seeing the value of this wind project and how it positively impacts their communities and Wisconsin as a whole,” said Jay Mundinger, spokesperson for the Highland Wind project. “Highland will generate more ‘green energy’, create local jobs and provide cash to communities and residents who host turbines. We think that’s positive for everyone involved.”
The St. Croix County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously last Thursday in support of building the substation with some conditions. The vote comes on the heels of another earlier approval by the town of Cylon.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is reviewing the Highland Project and will conduct public hearings this fall before making a decision on the project’s future. The $250 million Highland project, as proposed, will generate 102.5 megawatts of electricity from its 41 turbines – enough to power 30,000 homes. Emerging Energies of Wisconsin LLC (www.emerging-energies.us) will be the project developers.
Highland Wind Farm Specifics:
· 26,550 acre project boundary
· 41 turbine sites with 11 additional alternative locations
· 100 + member construction workforce
· 6-8 permanent employees for wind farm operations
· 6,200 acres already under lease from property owners for turbine sites, access roads, distribution lines
· Connects to Xcel Energy’s 161-kilovolt transmission line near Forest-Cylon town line
