Alliant Energy power plant approved 3-0

MADISON — The Public Service Commission has approved Alliant Energy’s request to build a 700 megawatt electricity generating plant in the Town of Beloit over the objection of its nearest neighbors.

In a 3-0 vote, the commissioners found the natural-gas fired plant to be in the public’s interest and necessary, as Alliant is retiring three coal-fired plants with a combined output of 640 megawatts.

“In five to six years 640 megawatts will be going off line...There will be a need to continue to provide affordable power and this (project) does that in the best possible manner,” Commissioner Michael Huebsch said.

The plant also produces power at lower carbon emissions than those it is replacing.

“This continues the trend of improving environmental aspects of energy production without mandates,” Commissioner Phil Montgomery said.

Alliant sought PSC approval for the plant in April 2015 as a 650 megawatt plant costing $750 million, but since then construction bids have lowered the cost and changed specifications have boosted its output....

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