Power plant alternatives mulled
8:07 PM 2/20/03
Judy Newman Business reporter

There is no state money in Gov. Jim Doyle's biennial budget proposal for a power plant planned for the UW-Madison campus.

But Madison Gas and Electric Co., which would own and operate the power plant, says that's no surprise. Utility officials say plans for the $180 million cogeneration plant are on track.

"MGE didn't request any budget dollars (yet) because they simply aren't needed," said vice president and treasurer Jeff Newman.

In fact, state and university officials are busy analyzing alternatives to the proposed 150-megawatt, natural gas-fueled cogeneration plant.

UW-Madison officials say the facility is critical to provide enough electricity, heat and, in particular, chilled water for air conditioning to buildings and improvements planned as part of the $320 million BioStar project for campus science buildings.

Neighbors say, though, with capacity to light up to 100,000 homes, the power plant is too big. They're worried about pollution, noise and water use.

University and state officials are evaluating as an alternative a possible 45-megawatt cogeneration plant owned by the state and the UW, said Alan Fish, UW-Madison associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and management. It would be at the same location, on Walnut Street at Herrick Drive.

"The plan that has been put together for the last two-and-a-half years (for 150-megawatts) is the plan," said Fish. But in case it's rejected, the smaller power plant might serve as a backup plan, he said.

The two proposals are being analyzed, from a cost and investment perspective, "to make sure that we're making the right choice," Fish said. A report may be ready by the end of the month.

State officials also are looking at additional options, such as adding only heating and cooling units, partly in response to questions raised by Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, said Robert Cramer, administrator for the division of facilities development in the state Department of Administration.

"With the change in administration, we've been preparing some analysis," Cramer said. That report is expected in March or April, he said.

A separate environmental analysis is expected from the state Public Service Commission within weeks.

Although there's no money in the governor's proposed operating budget, money for a power plant could still be included in the 2003-2005 capital budget. The State Building Commission is expected to send its recommendations to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee on April 1.