Alliant Energy’s Midwest solar sites help set energy generation record in MISO territory

Alliant Energy said Friday its recent buildout of over 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity in Wisconsin and Iowa helped the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) last week set a solar energy generation record high of 6,887 MW.

“This record showcases our forward-looking approach to project development and understanding the long-term benefits our customers will see from renewable projects,” said David de Leon, senior vice president of operations for Alliant Energy. “Our leadership in this space demonstrates we’re delivering on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.”

Peaking at 1,050 MW of solar generation on Aug. 21, Alliant Energy accounted for approximately 15 percent of the solar energy production in MISO’s multi-state region. The electricity generated by Alliant Energy’s solar sites on that date was enough to power nearly 400,000 average homes for a day, the utility said.

Roughly 45 million people, including Alliant Energy’s one million electric customers across Iowa and Wisconsin, depend on energy management from MISO, an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organization that’s responsible for keeping the power flowing across 15 states and Manitoba, Canada.

The projects are expected to provide more than $5 million annually in shared revenue and tax payments to local communities, said the utility.

Alliant Energy also said that construction of its solar sites created more than 3,000 construction jobs and expanded apprenticeship and worker training opportunities.

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