For the City Times

WOOD COUNTY – Ownership of the Wood County Solar Project has transitioned from Savion, LLC to Alliant Energy.

“This milestone comes on the heels of approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) on Alliant Energy’s filing for 675 megawatts of solar. It also marks the beginning of construction on the 150-megawatt (MW) project located in the town of Saratoga (about seven miles south of Wisconsin Rapids),” an Alliant Energy release stated.

“It has been a pleasure working with the Savion team in anticipation of the PSCW’s decision,” stated Ben Lipari, director of Project Development & Customer Solutions. “We are excited to build upon the positive relationships with the Town of Saratoga, Wood County and the community. Wood County Solar Project will bring a significant number of local jobs and investment over the next couple of years and plays a critical role in our sustainable path forward.”

Alliant Energy is contracting with Burns & McDonnell to construct the project, which is expected to create a couple hundred jobs.

Once operational, the 150 MW project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 Wisconsin homes.

“The community and county will receive a combined $600,000 in annual shared revenues and will be used, as determined by the local communities and government officials,” the release added.

In addition to the Wood County Solar Project, Alliant Energy has contracted with Burns & McDonnell to construct the North Rock and Bear Creek projects.