MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Wisconsin Power and Light asked state officials Friday for permission to build a new natural gas-fired power plant north of Beloit.
The utility’s parent firm, Alliant Energy, filed a request with the state Public Service Commission for a $750 million facility.
It would create electricity with both natural gas and solar energy from a two-megawatt generating facility nearby. It would be located in a complex with existing power plants.
Wisconsin Power and Light president John Larsen said the new plant would help modernize the company’s production facilities, while being more environmentally responsible.
Plans call for Alliant to shut down its coal plant at Cassville, plus coal boilers at Sheboygan. The firm reached a settlement with the federal government a few years ago to reduce its reliance on using coal to generate power.
The Beloit project was first announced last fall.
The Citizens Utility Board, which represents power customers, opposes the new facility. Director Kira Loehr said the state has had more power plants than necessary over the last decade — and utilities should make the best use of what they have instead of building new.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
