Clean energy is where Wisconsin is moving as more utilities and energy companies close coal plants and build solar and wind farms. But it doesn’t come easy.
WEC Energy Group plans to purchase the Koshkonong Solar Center upon approval and completion. It would be the largest solar farm and renewable energy project in Wisconsin. But it’s under controversy from some Cambridge residents for tarnishing the rural landscape, being unsafe for residents or even bringing land value down.
WEC Energy Group’s Brendan Conway responds to general solar farm concerns with the Mid-West Farm Report and explains the solar farm implementation process.
He says oftentimes, the largest opponents of a renewable energy project become the biggest proponents for future projects. This is because a lot of the hesitation is due to the unknown, according to Conway. He adds that residents also appreciate what the facility brings to the community — jobs, residents, charitable giving and economic development.
If residents do have concerns about an upcoming renewable energy project, Conway encourages them to contact the Public Service Commission. He says the PSC takes into account concern and support from residents before approving or rejecting projects.
Tara Vasby says
I would love for Brendan to connect with me – don’t think anyone from WEC has been out here to talk to us little folks about our concerns. I would also be happy to be interviewed to discuss the concerns of my community. This isn’t just about homeowners. This is about the fate of my entire community. Cambridge isn’t just one municipality – it is FIVE (town of Christiana; town of Oakland; Village of Cambridge; Village of Rockdale and the School District)
Dianne Wood says
If the utility companies and electric coops would help farmers and landowners put solar panels on every south facing barn roof, out-building roof, and home roof they wouldn’t need to build “solar farms”. Utilities in other states actually pay part of the cost of installing solar panels on private property.