Earlier this year, MGE announced a proposal to construct and operate the Saratoga wind farm. The 33-turbine project would be located near Howard County, Iowa.
This week, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission held a hearing to get public input on a wind development proposed by Madison Gas & Electric to be built in Iowa.
Sierra Club and others urged the Commission to approve the project, and argued that the 66-MW wind farm fails to go far enough. The advocates said that by adding that larger blocks of wind would further reduce customer bills and provide clean energy that customers want.
“People want clean energy. Just last night dozens of people turned out to the City of Madison’s clean energy meeting to share their vision for how Madison can reach its 100% clean energy goal. Not 30% clean energy. 100%,” said Sierra Club Campaign Representative Elizabeth Katt Reinders in a related statement.
“The Saratoga project is a great first step, but MGE needs a bold plan to move beyond its heavy reliance on coal and invest in a vision that embraces the full potential of renewable energy,” she added. “Other utilities in the Midwest are already on track to generate twice as much clean energy as MGE merely hopes to get in 2030. Coal power is costing Wisconsites — we’re paying with our health and our wallets. Clean energy is an investment in lower bills, cleaner air and water, and jobs in one of America’s fastest growing industries. If MGE doesn’t think bigger than 30% by 2030, they will get left behind and customers will pay the price.”
Filed Under: News, Policy, Projects
