MGE seeks approval to purchase part of 92 MW Red Barns wind project

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), in partnership with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, is seeking approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to purchase part of the Red Barn Wind Farm. If approved, MGE will own 9.1 megawatts (MW) of the 92-MW wind farm to be built in the Towns of Wingville and Clifton in Grant County.

The Red Barn Wind Farm will help MGE to meet future energy and capacity needs cost-effectively as the company continues its ongoing transition away from coal-fired electricity with the planned retirement of the Columbia Energy Center in Portage by the end of 2024. The project, if approved, is part of more than 300 MW of new renewable generation capacity announced since MGE introduced its Energy 2030 framework for a more sustainable future in November 2015.

If approved, the Red Barn Wind Farm will be developed by PRC Wind and constructed by ALLETE Clean Energy. The approximately 12,000-acre project will feature 28 turbines. WPS will own the remaining 82.5 MW.

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 once development approval is granted. The Red Barn Wind Farm is expected to begin serving customers by the end of 2022. MGE's share of the Red Barn Wind Farm will power about 4,000 households.