Wisconsin Public Service Commission approves We Energies wind farm in Columbia County

Wis. regulators approve wind farm near Madison

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin regulators have approved We Energies’ plans for a large wind farm in Columbia County.

The state Public Service Commission approved the Glacier Hills project Monday, which includes up to 90 turbines capable of generating 207 megawatts of power.

The wind farm could cost We Energies more than $400 million.

PSC Chairman Eric Callisto says the project would increase Wisconsin’s wind power capacity by 30 to 46 percent.

The commission is requiring the turbines to be built at least 1,250 feet from residential homes because of concerns of the turbines’ noise and shadows.

We Energies is the trade name of Wisconsin Electric Power Co. and Wisconsin Gas LLC, the principal utility subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corp.