MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers will benefit from the addition of reliable, cost-effective electricity following a proposal filed with Wisconsin regulators today. Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility is seeking approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to construct a combined-cycle, natural gas-fueled generating station at the company's Riverside Energy Center near Beloit, Wis.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20020405/LNTLOGO

"We're pleased with the support we've received from customers, community organizations and government officials since we announced the project last fall," said John Larsen, President of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility. "By replacing about 700 megawatts of aging generation with a highly efficient natural-gas facility, this project will play a large role in the modernization of our Wisconsin fleet and reflects our continued commitment to environmentally responsible resources."

The proposed project location is on the site of Alliant Energy's existing Riverside Energy Center, Beloit Operations Center and Rock River Generating Station. The company has had facilities in the Town of Beloit for over 50 years and has produced power in the region since the 1920s.

The expansion will include advanced technology to enhance performance and, as part of Alliant Energy's plan to expand its renewable energy portfolio, the facility's operations will be powered in part by a solar-energy installation.

"Integrating solar and natural-gas generation is a new technology application for us, and we are eager to use it as a research and learning tool, collaborating with local schools, colleges, the Electric Power Research Institute and industry partners," said Larsen. "The solar component will give us a chance to refine our understanding of utility-scale renewables."

The PSCW's evaluation process will include extensive analysis and public input. If approved, the company expects to begin construction in the summer of 2016 and complete the approximately 650-megawatt facility in early 2019. The estimated project investment is $750 million, excluding transmission and AFUDC. The Riverside Energy Center expansion is capable of powering more than 500,000 homes, while creating hundreds of family-supporting jobs during its construction and additional long-term operational positions upon completion.

The project's application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) can be found at psc.wi.gov under docket no. 6680-CE-176. More details regarding the proposed facility are also available at alliantenergy.com/riverside.

Alliant Energy Corporation's Wisconsin utility subsidiary, Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), utilizes the trade name of Alliant Energy. The Wisconsin utility is based in Madison, Wis., and provides electric service to 465,000 customers and natural gas service to approximately 185,000 customers in more than 600 communities across central and southern Wisconsin. The employees of Alliant Energy focus on delivering the energy and exceptional service their customers and communities expect - safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Visit alliantenergy.com or call 1-800-ALLIANT for more information. Alliant Energy Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020405/LNTLOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alliant-energy-proposes-continued-investment-in-clean-wisconsin-energy-300071468.html

SOURCE Alliant Energy Corporation