(Albert Lea, Mn.)– State regulators in Minnesota are poised to approve plans for a massive wind farm proposed to be built just north of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, wants to build the 32,000-acre farm. The utility says it eventually would have enough capacity to produce 400 megawatts of electricity–enough to power 100,000 homes.
According state estimates, the plant could cost nearly 500 million dollars. Alliant officials say the cost is built into a plan to raise electric rates for all its customers by 9.2 percent in 2010.
The project needs approval from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission as well as from Minnesota regulators.
