Construction in motion on Alliant Energy’s solar in Wisconsin
Alliant Energy received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for its first filing of 675 megawatts of solar projects. The construction is set to begin in Richland, Wood, and Rock counties as part of the Clean Energy Blueprint. The projects will add nearly 1,100 MW of solar energy, powering approximately 300,000 homes. Estimated to create 2,000 jobs and generate around $300 million in local revenues, the investments aim to reduce long-term costs by over $2 billion. Alliant aims to be the largest solar operator in Wisconsin and enhance community environmental health.
- Approval received for the construction of 675 MW solar projects.
- Projects will create approximately 2,000 jobs.
- Estimated local revenue generation of $300 million over 30 years.
- Collectively, the projects will power nearly 300,000 homes.
- Projected savings of over $2 billion in long-term costs.
- Forward-looking statements carry risks and uncertainties regarding project approvals and timelines.
- Potential delays in obtaining regulatory approvals and permits.
Customers to benefit from healthier environment, communities benefit from local job creation and shared revenues.
MADISON, Wis., July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on its first filing for 675 megawatts of solar, Alliant Energy begins construction on solar projects in Richland, Wood and Rock counties. The projects are included in the company’s Clean Energy Blueprint, a plan for cost-effectively accelerating its transition to renewable energy while reducing carbon emissions.
“We are extremely pleased to receive the PSCW’s final approval,” stated David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin energy company. “It’s a historic day as we move from planning and preparing to constructing our large-scale solar projects. It’s a smart investment and creates a long-term, sustainable path for cleaner energy that supports our purpose-driven strategy of supporting customers and building strong communities.”
Alliant Energy is contracting with Burns & McDonnell to construct the Bear Creek (Richland County), North Rock and Wood County projects, which will be built using union craft labor. Ranger Power will build out the Onion River and Crawfish River projects, beginning this fall. The Grant County project will be constructed by NextEra Energy Resources, beginning in spring 2022. All six projects were announced by Alliant Energy in May 2020.
| Project Name | Location | Size | Est. Construction Start | Est. Construction Completion |
| Bear Creek | Richland County | 50 megawatts | Summer 2021 | Late 2022 |
| North Rock | Rock County | 50 megawatts | Summer 2021 | Summer 2023 |
| Wood County | Wood County | 150 megawatts | Summer 2021 | Late 2022 |
| Onion River | Sheboygan County | 150 megawatts | Fall 2021 | Late 2022 |
| Crawfish River | Jefferson County | 75 megawatts | Fall 2021 | Late 2022 |
| Grant County | Grant County | 200 megawatts | Spring 2022 | Late 2023 |
In total, Alliant Energy has proposed 12 solar projects, spanning dozens of communities across nine Wisconsin counties. Collectively, they will add nearly 1,100 MW of solar energy generation to the state’s energy grid – enough to power nearly 300,000 homes. The company is awaiting a decision from the PSCW on its second set of six projects, which were announced in March 2021. Once all 12 projects are approved and operational, Alliant Energy will become the largest owner and operator of solar energy in the state of Wisconsin.
“At a time when much is changing, these projects demonstrate our commitment to advancing clean energy and strengthening the communities we serve,” added de Leon. “Most importantly, this investment in solar will provide our customers with reliable, environmentally-friendly energy for decades to come.”
Along with the rest of the Clean Energy Blueprint, these projects will help customers avoid more than
Adding solar throughout Wisconsin also enhances the environmental health of the communities Alliant Energy serves as they transition to a cleaner energy mix. All solar construction will be done in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, supports land preservation and provides areas for pollinators to find protection and thrive.
For more information, visit Alliant Energy’s solar webpage.
Media contact: Cindy Tomlinson (608) 458-3869 | cindytomlinson@alliantenergy.com
Investor Relations contact: Zac Fields (319) 786-8146 | zacfields@alliantenergy.com
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 975,000 electric and 420,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, Bloomberg’s 2020 Gender-Equality Index, and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified because they describe solar generation plans or projects, or include words such as “plan,” “will,” “estimated,” “approximately,” and words of similar import. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual results could be affected by such factors as: the inability to obtain regulatory approvals or necessary permits in a timely manner for the second set of six solar projects, including approval from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator; state regulatory actions that delay or reject the proposed solar generation construction plans, or that include terms that make the future generation construction plans uneconomical, including rate recovery levels and returns on equity; ability to obtain any remaining necessary regulatory and local approvals and permits; adverse interpretation or enforcement of regulatory or permit conditions; ability to obtain necessary equipment and labor in a timely manner; increased costs of equipment, commodities used in equipment, labor and real estate; changes in tax laws that could impact the qualification of the solar projects for the expected level of investment tax credits; unanticipated construction issues, delays or expenditures; failure of equipment and technology to perform as expected; current or future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries that could impede the implementation of Alliant Energy's plans; the inability to agree to contract terms or disputes in contract terms; poor initial cost estimates; work stoppages; adverse weather conditions; unforeseen engineering or technology issues; political conditions in Alliant Energy's service territories; limited access to capital or other proposed financing arrangements such as tax equity financing; other adverse economic conditions; adverse impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to the pandemic; and economic conditions in Alliant Energy's service territory. These factors should be considered when evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof and Alliant Energy and Wisconsin Power and Light Company undertake no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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