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Janesville approves land conveyance for Rock Energy substation to expand Innovation Park power
Summary
Council approved conveying five acres at Innovation Park to Rock Energy Cooperative to build a 30‑megawatt substation, a roughly $7.8 million project; Rock Energy will pay roughly $88,000 per acre and the city will reimburse loan interest once the substation operates at 30 MW.
The Janesville Common Council unanimously approved an agreement on Nov. 24 to convey five acres at Innovation Park to Rock Energy Cooperative for construction and operation of a 30‑megawatt electrical substation intended to increase power capacity for ongoing industrial development.
Economic Development Director Jimsey said the city purchased 132 acres of Innovation Park in 2023, constructed primary infrastructure in 2024 and established Tax Increment District (TID) 43. The proposed substation is part of the next phase of implementation; Jimsey said Zilber’s development consumed the last 5 megawatts of previously available capacity and additional substation capacity is required for further build‑out.
Under the agreement Rock Energy will pay the city approximately $88,000 per acre (about $440,000 for 5 acres), construct and operate the substation (project estimate $7.8 million) and be responsible for operation and maintenance. Jimsey said the city will reimburse Rock Energy’s loan interest costs after the substation is operational at the planned 30‑megawatt capacity; the substation infrastructure is listed as an eligible expense in the TID 43 project plan.
Council Member Cass asked whether power from the substation would serve areas outside Innovation Park; Jimsey said the substation is planned to serve Innovation Park and to lay groundwork for potential future substations if additional capacity is needed. A map submitted with the proposal shows the site at the southwest corner of Innovation Park adjacent to regional stormwater facilities. The council approved the agreement by voice vote.
The substation is a key infrastructure step to enable further industrial development inside the TID; staff said certified survey maps and related documents will return to council for recordation.
