| Big Radio News |
The state clears the way for Alliant Energy to expand its generating capacity at the Riverside Energy Center in the town of Beloit.
Dozens of residents, including Beloit city council and school board members and state lawmakers, submitted public comments opposing the move.
The company applied last year to add seven natural gas combustion engines capable of generating a total of up to 17.5 megawatts at the power plant.
State Sen. Mark Spreitzer and Assembly Rep. Clinton Anderson told the Public Service Commission that city of Beloit residents are especially vulnerable to climate change and poor air quality.
A 2023 air quality report from IQ Air found Beloit had the worst air quality in the country.
The PSC granted Alliant’s request over those objections, citing the general public interest and public convenience and necessity.
Alliant estimates the cost to install the engines will be $52.78 million.
