The proposed Glacier Hills Wind Park is located in the towns of Randolph and Scott in Columbia County. View the proposed site layout.

Project Size
In May 2009, We Energies signed a conditional agreement with Vestas Wind Systems as the preferred supplier for 90 wind turbines. The agreement calls for the supply and maintenance of the Vestas V90-1.8 megawatt turbine. The agreement with Vestas is contingent upon We Energies receipt of the final Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the project from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

If approved, the 90 wind turbines would generate 162 megawatts of electricity - enough capacity to power approximately 45,000 homes.

The Need
We are pursuing additional wind energy to meet customer demand and the state of Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. Our customers are demanding more renewable energy through our Energy for Tomorrow program, which allows customers – residential, commercial and industrial – to purchase all or a portion of their energy from renewable sources.

Additionally, the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires Wisconsin utilities to generate 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. Currently, We Energies’ supply portfolio includes approximately 3 percent from renewable energy.

Approvals and Timeline
As a regulated utility, We Energies is required to obtain authorization from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to construct the project. The Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application was filed on Oct. 27, 2008.

In September 2009, the PSCW issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement on the project. Technical hearings were held on Nov. 2, 2009, and public hearings were held in the local community on Nov. 4, 2009. The PSCW is anticipated to issue a decision in January 2010.

In addition, we work with the local communities and numerous other agencies including: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Federal Aviation Administration, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Federation, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Wisconsin State Historical Society and National Heritage Inventory.

Construction
Construction is anticipated to be completed within one year from the start of activities. Approximately six months are needed for site preparation, the installation of turbine foundations and cabling. An additional six months are needed for turbine erection.

For additional information please call 920-319-6097.