Decision Nears on Glacier Hills Wind Park

From an article in Catching Wind, a newsletter of the Wisconsin Wind Working Group:

The Glacier Hills Wind Park proceeding (6630-CE-302) is entering the home stretch. Hearings on the 90-turbine, 162 MW windpower installation proposed in Columbia County have ended, and parties are now preparing and exchanging post-hearing briefs. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (“PSCW”) is likely to issue its ruling on the application submitted by Wisconsin Electric Power Company (“WEPCO”) in early January. If approved, project construction would begin in 2010. All 90 turbines should be operational some time in 2011.
As of this moment, Glacier Hills is the only utility-owned windpower facility proposed for development in Wisconsin. In sharp contrast to neighboring states (see table below), there has been no windpower construction activity in Wisconsin since the 54 MW Butler Ridge project was placed in service this past March. No other wind developer with a fully permitted project has announced plans to start construction in 2010.