Alliant Energy welcomes the Citizens Utility Board and other interveners into the debate on Wisconsin power generation.

While we respectfully disagree with CUB spokesperson Charlie Higley 's reasons for opposing our planned expansion of the Nelson Dewey plant in Cassville, more significant is the fact we share common goals.

Alliant Energy spends a lot of time reaching out to our customers, listening to what they want and what they can afford. Their two main concerns are protecting the environment while keeping the cost of electricity affordable. These are challenges we embrace.

Our path to a greener future hinges on our ability to be innovative and pursue alternatives to traditional energy sources -- such as biofuels and wind energy -- that Higley and others promote.

For us, innovation starts in Cassville. Rather than depend solely on traditional fuels like coal, the new, state-of-the-art plant will have the flexibility to also burn hay from Wisconsin fields (switchgrass), leftover corn stalks (stover) and waste wood -- all harvested locally.

Our early tests reveal switchgrass and others are a cleaner-burning alternative to coal, which is why we are investing in technology that will allow us to reduce our reliance on coal at Cassville and replace it with renewable fuels. This will dramatically reduce harmful emissions.

This investment also will provide Wisconsin farmers and foresters new markets, an ecologically friendly crop and better land and forest management practices.

Though coal remains the most cost-effective way to generate affordable electricity, Alliant Energy also is committed to wind energy. In fact, we 'll spend $1 billion by the end of 2010 developing new wind farms.

Last fall, Alliant Energy broke ground on the Cedar Ridge Wind Farm near Fond du Lac. It consists of 41 wind turbines. When operational this year it will generate 68 megawatts of electricity. Our ultimate goal is to generate 300 megawatts of wind energy for Wisconsin, or enough to power 75,000 homes.

At Alliant Energy we are committed to charting a path to a greener future and keeping our customers ' bills affordable. We recognize the need for a balanced approach to our generation plans that includes innovation, renewable fuels, conservation and cost-effective and efficient use of coal.

That 's why Alliant Energy will keep providing safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy for current and future generations.

Swan is president of Alliant Energy 's Wisconsin Power & Light Co.