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Murray County to notify PUC of support for Lake Wilson solar and battery amendment; board requests fire department training
Summary
County officials voted to send a letter to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission supporting an amendment to the Lake Wilson solar project to expand battery capacity; commissioners recommended additional training for local fire departments regarding battery hazards.
Representatives from Lake Wilson Solar Energy, LLC described proposed amendments to their Leeds Township solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) on April 7, and the Murray County Board voted to have Chair Mark Carlson sign a letter to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission acknowledging the county’s awareness and support of the changes.
Molly Malone, representing Lake Wilson Solar Energy, said the amendment would increase the BESS nameplate capacity, which the company says could support local reliability and reduce curtailment of wind generation. Commissioners discussed local impacts, including an estimated additional three acres of land needed for the expanded battery footprint and the project’s location about 1.5 miles off the highway on a minimum-maintenance road. Jean Christoffels said she had no concerns about the project but recommended additional training with area fire departments to understand hazards and mitigation related to battery storage.
The board approved a motion authorizing Chair Mark Carlson to sign and submit a letter to the Public Utilities Commission expressing county awareness and support of the proposed amendment. No adverse impacts were formally identified in the minutes; the record notes that the project area is unique and has no direct precedents.
The approval was procedural and limited to sending a county letter to the PUC; the PUC retains authority over any permit or route amendment decisions.
