The St. Croix County Board of Supervisors met on August 18, 2025, to discuss the implications of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Xcel Energy, focusing on the county's role in upcoming energy projects. The conversation highlighted the importance of the JDA in providing a framework for commitments that would be binding during the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's (PSC) permitting process.

A key concern raised during the meeting was the uncertainty surrounding various aspects of the project, including the suppliers of solar panels and potential environmental impacts. Supervisors expressed apprehension about signing the JDA without clearer information on these critical issues. One supervisor emphasized the need for more definitive details before committing to the agreement, citing past experiences with communication failures during power outages as a reason for skepticism.

Despite these concerns, county officials noted that the JDA could offer a level of certainty by ensuring that specific commitments are documented and enforceable. This would allow the county to have a say in the project, even as unknowns remain. The county's corporation counsel reminded supervisors of a previous presentation that underscored the importance of initiating discussions with Xcel Energy to secure these commitments.

The board acknowledged that while the JDA process is not perfect and comes with its own uncertainties, it represents an opportunity for the county and local townships to establish clear expectations and protections. The decision to proceed with the JDA will ultimately hinge on whether the board feels confident that the agreement can address the community's concerns and provide a framework for future discussions as more information becomes available.

As the county moves forward, the supervisors will need to weigh the benefits of the JDA against the existing uncertainties, ensuring that the interests of St. Croix County residents are prioritized in any agreements made.