CEDAR RAPIDS – Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility filed a notice Tuesday accepting the proposed decision and order for the Marshalltown Generating Station (MGS), issued by Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) on November 8. The proposed decision and order approved construction of the company’s proposed MGS and included a cost cap of $920 million.
Chair Jacobs, as presiding officer for the MGS administrative hearing, issued the proposed decision and order. The proposed decision and order becomes final on November 25, unless the IUB moves to review it or an appeal is filed by any party involved in the process.
In its filing, Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility affirms its plan to construct the plant and cover costs of related high-voltage transmission upgrades and allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) within the cost cap established in the proposed order.
“Chair Jacobs recognized the need for a new natural gas plant in Marshalltown and the benefits it will bring our customers,” said Tom Aller, President of Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility. “This plant is a cost-effective way to provide Iowa customers with a long-term source of locally-produced power.”
The IUB’s approval is conditional on the company attaining other state and federal permitting approvals necessary to construct and operate the MGS. Monday, the company received a proposed decision and order approving the needed pipeline construction to serve natural gas to the facility, which is one of the key approvals necessary before the plant project begins. Pending all regulatory approvals, the company expects to begin construction in 2014 and begin operations in 2017.