PSC grants CPCN to Badger Hollow Wind with conditions, citing robust record and PSC 128 compliance

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin voted Sept. 25, 2025, to grant a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Badger Hollow Wind LLC for a wind energy facility of up to 118 megawatts, subject to standard commission conditions and multiple project‑specific requirements.

Commissioner Ted Hawkins, who led the discussion, said the record was robust and that the application met statutory and rule‑based siting criteria. “I will be voting in support of granting the CPCN,” he said during the meeting, summarizing the staff analyses, intervenor testimony and environmental assessments that informed the decision.

Why this matters: the project lies in a largely agricultural area spanning towns in Iowa and Grant counties and proposes up to 19 turbine sites, underground collection circuits, a collector substation and a short generator tie line. Because the facility exceeds 100 MW, it requires PSC review rather than local-only permitting; wind projects are also reviewed under the state’s wind‑siting rules (PSC 128), which govern setbacks, noise, shadow flicker and decommissioning planning.

Key findings and conditions - Siting and environmental review: commissioners concluded the siting met Wis. Stat. §196.491 requirements (including non‑interference with orderly land use) and found no undue adverse environmental impacts after reviewing the joint environmental assessment prepared by PSC and DNR staff and additional record evidence. - PSC 128 compliance: the commission found the project consistent with PSC 128 requirements and declined to adopt stricter rule deviations because the record did not show an “extraordinary or unusual” circumstance that would justify deviation. Commissioners noted the requirement for final engineering to demonstrate ongoing compliance with noise, shadow‑flicker and setback standards if micro‑siting adjustments are needed in the field. - Geology, wetlands, and wildlife: intervenor concerns about karst geology and other site‑specific risks were considered; commissioners found the geotechnical borings and engineering review in the record adequate and concluded that the final geotechnical and foundation design processes — required before construction — would mitigate the geological risks characterized by intervenors. - Lighting and aesthetics: the applicant’s use of aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) technology and larger, more widely spaced turbines factored into the commission’s finding that aesthetic impacts were addressed and that measures to reduce nighttime blinking lights were appropriate. - Project-specific conditions: the commission attached standard generation project order conditions and several project‑specific requirements, including DNR‑recommended wetland and waterway protections, a minor‑siting adjustment protocol that requires prior consultation with staff for shifts above a defined threshold, final spill prevention and control plans, and the requirement that the applicant submit any MISO/DPP interconnection results and signed generator interconnection agreements when available.

What the commission decided and next steps The commission approved the CPCN with conditions that require the developer to submit additional construction‑phase filings, environmental and erosion control plans, and final geotechnical/foundation designs before construction begins. Commissioners emphasized their authority to review micro‑siting changes and required notification and additional studies (noise, shadow flicker) where shifts approach allowed thresholds.

Local context and implementation risks The project area covers roughly 15,000 acres of predominantly agricultural land; only about 30 acres are expected to be permanently removed from agricultural production for facilities such as turbine pads and access points. Commissioners rated implementation risk as medium because final permits, interconnection studies and construction-phase approvals remain outstanding. The commission also noted that merchant developers have financial incentives to ensure safe and reliable operation, including appropriate foundation design and post‑construction maintenance.

Statements from the meeting Commissioner Hawkins summarized the record and said it supported approval; Chairperson Strand and Commissioner Nieto concurred, and each commissioner emphasized the need for continued communication with local landowners and adherence to the technical requirements of PSC 128.

What remains to watch The order requires the applicant to comply with construction-phase requirements and to file final engineering and interconnection documents; staff will monitor compliance. If the developer’s equipment selection or final turbine layout changes the number or spacing of turbines materially, the commission’s minor‑siting procedures will require notification, additional studies if required, and possible commission review.