Landowners celebrate Saratoga Wind Farm
Wed, 06/26/2019 - 11:26am
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By:
Marcie Klomp ~ News Editor tpdeditor@crescotimes.com
SARATOGA - Those who have property where the wind turbines are located and Howard County representatives attended a celebratory dinner and tour on June 6. It was sponsored by Madison Gas & Electric.
As neighbors chatted with each other and company representatives, and they were given the opportunity to “climb” a wind turbine and “stand” on top with virtual reality goggles.
During lunch, Don Peterson, Vice President of Energy Technology, gave a history of MGE, noting it has been around since 1855 (about when the first settlers came to Howard County). He said he was born and raised on an Iowa Farm and while he was younger, corn prices were $3-4 and soybeans were $8-9, “about where they are today. But wind complements farming as farmers can rent their land.”
He stated it took a little longer than planned to get all 33 wind turbines operational, but a wet fall and wet spring made it difficult. “It was one of our most challenging projects. When it stopped raining, it started back up again. Then it stopped and started again!” Peterson joked.
But he was proud to say the company kept it local, by hiring Mehmert Tiling for the grading, restoration and tile repair and Croell Redi-Mix for concrete. Taxes also stay local, helping the county to repair and build bridges and roads.
“Projects like Saratoga have helped us grow our wind capacity from 11 megawatts in 1999 to more than 150 megawatts in the last decade . . . and we’re not done yet,” Peterson stated.
He went on to say that Chairman Jeff Keebler announced in May that MGE will deliver net-zero carbon electricity to its customers by 2050. MGE is going from fossil-based to renewable-based.
“You’re now with us in meeting this responsibility, and you’re a part of growing a more sustainable energy supply for our future generation. These are things you can take tremendous pride in.”
In addition to Saratoga, MG&E has 17 turbines at Rosiere, Wis., built in 1999; 18 turbines (Top of Iowa) at Kensett, Iowa, built in 2007; and 33 at Saratoga. They also have solar power farms, one at Two Creeks, Wis. and another just approved at Badger Hollow at Montfort, Wis.
Howard County Supervisor Pat Murray thanked guests for attending the dinner and tour. “Howard County gets a little cut of the money coming in from the windmills. Every citizen of Howard County thanks you because it is good for our tax base. It is environmentally friendly, which is the future.”
Afterwards, Jacque Frink, one of the property owners said, “It’s a wonderful way to get energy. Out of all the alternatives, this is wonderful.”
Carol Eckerman added, “This helps the county. It’s a win-win.”
[Editor’s note: A video about Saratoga Wind Farm is online at https://vimeo.com/storybridge/review/330512687/43622a0ebe. Check it out.]
