Final Decision Issued
On May 22, 2023, the Commission issued a final decision for this project. At the time of final decision, the anticipated start date of construction was the second quarter of 2023 with completion by the end of 2024.
Quarterly construction updates and post decision correspondence between the Commission and the Applicant can be found in the corresponding docket reports.
Docket Reports: 9816-CE-100
Town of Saratoga, Wood County, Wisconsin
Docket ID: 9816-CE-100
Application of Saratoga Solar Project, LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Construct a Solar Electric Generation Facility in the Town of Saratoga, Wood County, Wisconsin.
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Application Summary
Overview
Saratoga Solar Project, LLC (Saratoga Solar or Applicant) submitted an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Saratoga Solar Project (Project) in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 196.491(3) and Wis. Admin Code § PSC 111.53 to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC or Commission). Saratoga Solar is seeking a CPCN and all other approvals and authorizations required to construct, install, operate, and maintain a 150.5-megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) solar electric generating facility to be located in the Town of Saratoga, Wood County, Wisconsin. The Solar Array Area for the Primary Facility Area would encompass approximately 825 acres of land, and the Solar Array Area for the Alternate Facility Area would encompass approximately 219 acres. Portions of the Alternate Facility Area may be used in place of the Primary Facility Area should environmental or construction issues arise with the use of the Primary Facility Area.
Other major components of the project include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), substation, temporary laydown yards, transformer, junction boxes, the collection system and an operations and management (O&M) building. An approximately 500-foot long 138-kV generation tie line would be constructed extending from the project substation to an proposed switching station.
Applicant stated need
This project is proposed by an independent power producer Saratoga Solar Project, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Savion, LLC. As such, the need for the project is not reviewed by the Commission.
Estimated cost
This project is proposed by an independent power producer, and the Commission does not review the project cost. The cost to Wisconsin utilities, and ratepayers, would be reviewed when the power from the facility is purchased by Wisconsin utilities.
Project location
The Town of Saratoga, Wood County, Wisconsin.
Proposed schedule
- The application was submitted to the Commission in May of 2022.
- The current estimate is that site work could begin as early as Q2 of 2023, but the start date would be contingent on receipt of regulatory approvals.
Statutory Review
The solar electric generation facility is a
Type III action under
Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 4.10(3). The BESS is a
Type II action under
Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 4.10(2). The Commission will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project that will evaluate the location of the project and its potential environmental, community, and private property impacts. There will be a preliminary determination when the EA is complete that will determine whether the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is necessary. Comments on this preliminary determination will be accepted and considered before a final determination is made. At the time of the preliminary determination, the Commission shall make copies of the EA available to those persons that request it.
Key Application Documents
Access Docket 9816-CE-100 in the PSC Case Management System to view additional information.
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Access Docket 9816-CE-100
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