We Energies Secures $360M Approval for 165MW Columbia County Solar Projects
Wisconsin regulators approved We Energies’ $360 million purchase of the 165 MW Good Oak and Gristmill solar facilities, featuring about 323,000 panels across 1,200 acres to power 50,000 homes. If a new large-data-center rate is approved, 70% of output will serve Microsoft and Vantage campuses.
1. Regulatory Approval of Solar Purchases
The Public Service Commission unanimously approved We Energies’ acquisition of the Good Oak and Gristmill solar generation facilities in Columbia County at a combined cost of $360 million. Together, the two projects will generate 165 MW—enough to power roughly 50,000 Wisconsin homes—with Good Oak spanning 800 acres and 191,000 panels and Gristmill covering 400 acres with 132,000 panels.
2. Ownership Structure and Data Center Allocation
We Energies will hold an 80% stake in both facilities, while Madison Gas & Electric and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation each take remaining shares. Should a separate electric rate for large data centers be approved, 70% of the plants’ output will be reserved for major customers including Microsoft and Vantage’s southeast Wisconsin campuses.
3. Timeline and Net-Zero Strategy
Construction on the Columbia County sites is slated to begin by late 2026 with commercial operation expected in 2028. These projects advance WEC Energy Group’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as part of its broader $20 billion investment program in renewables, natural gas, and battery storage.