Regulators OK solar projects to quadruple Wisconsin capacity

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Regulators have approved two solar farms that they say will more than quadruple Wisconsin’s solar capacity.

The Public Service Commission approved the projects 2-0 on Thursday.

One farm near Two Rivers will have a 150-megawatt capacity. The other will be located in Iowa County and will have a 300 megawatt-capacity. PSC officials say together the projects will produce enough energy to power 120,000 homes for a year.

According to the Citizens Utility Board, Madison Gas and Electric and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation plan to play a combined $390 million for a portion of the facilities’ power.

MG&E officials estimate ratepayers will see a 1 percent increase but will realize future savings since the plants don’t need fuel. WPS spokesman Matt Cullen said he didn’t have any specifics on rate increases.