Press release
Alliant Energy adjusting timing of its Wisconsin-based generation retirement dates to bolster reliability during transition to cleaner energy future
Adjusted timing allows the company flexibility beyond 2022 to manage regional capacity and supply chain challenges as they move forward with adding solar and
About this update from Alliant Energy Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"Adjusted timing allows the company flexibility beyond 2022 to manage regional capacity and supply chain challenges as they move forward with adding solar and other resources to diversify energy mix\nMADISON, Wis., June 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guided by its purpose-driven strategy and values, Alliant Energy is transitioning its energy mix to cleaner, more renewable energy to benefit customers. This includes breaking ground on six new solar projects. In total, the company is moving forward on 12 solar projects that will bring nearly 1,100 megawatts of solar generation online in Wisconsin. It’s all part of Alliant Energy’s continued drive to diversify its energy mix of generation resources to meet the ongoing energy needs of customers. “It’s exciting to be starting construction on new solar projects that will bring jobs and economic benefits to local communities,” said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin energy company. “At the same time, it’s important to recognize the unprecedented and unexpected circumstances currently affecting the entire energy industry.” The uncertainty de Leon mentions includes global supply chain and economic challenges along with shifting Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) requirements beyond 2022 and regional short-term reliability concerns. Earlier this month, MISO released a study forecasting the MISO region, which includes Manitoba, Canada and parts of 15 states including Wisconsin, could be facing a potential energy shortage for the summer of 2023. “Shifting the retirement dates for our coal-fired facilities in Wisconsin helps ensure we can weather multiple uncertainties while continuing to add cleaner, renewable energy to the grid,” added de Leon. Alliant Energy expects to be out of coal generation in Wisconsin by mid-2026. The company also confirms they are still on track to achieve their 2030 goal of reducing fossil fuel generation carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 50% (from 2005 levels). Alliant Energy now intends to retire Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan by June 2025; both remaining Columbia Energy Center units in Portage will be retired by June 2026. The short-term extension demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable energy for all customers as outlined in their Clean Energy Blueprint. The Blueprint is the result of extensiv...