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Final Decision Issued
On November 6, 2025, the Commission issued a final decision for this project. At the time of final decision, the applicant anticipates beginning construction of the project in April 2026 with vegetation removal and localized grading efforts. Major work directly related to the solar modules is anticipated to begin in June 2026, with the solar modules completed by the end of spring 2027. The project would be commissioned in summer 2027 and placed in-service by February 2028.
Quarterly construction updates and post decision correspondence between the Commission and the Applicant can be found in the corresponding docket reports.
Docket Reports: 9828-CE-100
City of Whitewater and Town of Cold Spring, Jefferson County, and the Towns of Whitewater and LaGrange, Walworth County, Wisconsin
Docket ID: 9828-CE-100
Application of Whitewater Solar, LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Construct Solar Electric Generation Facilities located within the City of Whitewater and Township of Cold Spring, Jefferson County, and the Townships of Whitewater and LaGrange, Walworth County, Wisconsin.
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Application Summary
Overview
Whitewater Solar, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), is seeking approval to construct a solar energy generating facility with a generating capacity of 180 MWac (megawatt alternating current) in the City of Whitewater and Township of Cold Spring, Jefferson County, and the Townships of Whitewater and LaGrange, Walworth County, Wisconsin. The project study area that was evaluated is approximately 2,567 acres, of which, the proposed project arrays make up 988 acres, and the alternative project arrays make up 231 acres. The major components of the proposed project include PV panels, inverters, approximately 69.8 miles of underground 34.5 kilovolt (kV) collector circuits, a 138kV project substation, an approximately 0.14-mile 138 kV gen-tie transmission line to connect to the project substation, access roads, and an operation and maintenance building. The proposed project includes 23 fenced array areas, with 17 proposed array area sites and six alternative array area sites. Array areas can be identified by their fence boundary identification number, as seen in the attached map.
Applicant Stated Need
This project is proposed by an independent power producer. Therefore, the need for the project is not reviewed by the Commission.
Estimated Cost
This project is proposed by an independent power producer. Therefore, the Commission does not review the project cost. The cost to Wisconsin utilities, and ratepayers, would be reviewed if the facility or power from the facility is purchased by Wisconsin utilities.
Project Location
The applicant proposes to construct this project in the City of Whitewater and Township of Cold Spring, Jefferson County, and the Townships of Whitewater and LaGrange, Walworth County, Wisconsin.
Proposed Schedule
- The applicant submitted the application to the Commission in October 2024.
- If approved, the applicant anticipates construction for this project to begin in April 2026 with an estimated completion date of February 2028.
The proposed project is categorized as 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 (EIS) is necessary.
Key Application Documents
Access Docket 9828-CE-100 in the PSC Case Management System to view additional information.
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Access Docket 9828-CE-100
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