Regulators approve solar projects for WPS customers

Key points at a glance

• Public Service Commission of Wisconsin unanimously approves WPS’ purchase of Good Oak Solar and Gristmill Solar facilities.
• Project adds 16.5 MW of solar energy for WPS customers.
• Will provide enough energy to power about 5,000 homes.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has unanimously approved Wisconsin Public Service’s (WPS) purchase of a portion of the Good Oak Solar Generation Facility and the Gristmill Solar Generation Facility; both will be built in Columbia County. WPS will own 16.5 megawatts (MW) of the facilities — enough to power about 5,00 homes.

“Today’s commission approval will add more renewable energy to the power grid and support the state’s increased electricity needs in the coming years,” said Mike Hooper, president — WPS. “The Good Oak and Gristmill solar projects are part of our ‘all the above’ energy strategy that supports continued reliability and helps keep energy costs down for our customers.”

We Energies, the sister company of WPS, will be the majority owner of the Good Oak Solar Generation Facility and the Gristmill Solar Generation Facility. Madison Gas and Electric also is a co-owner of the projects. The facilities are expected to begin serving customers in 2028, following construction and testing.

The project is being developed by OneEnergy Renewables.