Cleaner energy sources highlight Alliant Energy's plans in Wisconsin

RFP issued for new generation resource that will benefit customers and the economy

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Jun 03, 2014, 08:00 ET

MADISON, Wis., June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility issued a request for proposals (RFP) today for energy and capacity for its customers. The generation resource is being requested to replace older and less efficient units, provide customers with stable power supply, and support economic growth. This is part of the company's strategy of providing more power from cleaner fuels and relying less on any single fuel.

"We are actively evaluating what future mix of fuel sources makes the most sense for our customers, the environment and our company," said John Larsen, President of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility. "We believe it is in the best interest of our customers to have flexibility in the power we generate or purchase. To achieve this, we expect natural gas and wind to become a larger part of our energy portfolio."

The RFP issued today is one component of Alliant Energy's evaluation process. The company is considering building or purchasing a power plant, converting a current one, or purchasing power from another source.

"Wisconsin customers need a new resource to support expected demand and to help ensure reliability into the next decade," added Larsen. "Our focus remains on providing generation options that are most reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible for our customers."

Alliant Energy Corporation's Wisconsin utility subsidiary, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, utilizes the trade name of Alliant Energy. The Wisconsin utility is based in Madison, Wis., and provides electric service to 460,000 customers and natural gas service to 182,000 customers in more than 600 communities across central and southern Wisconsin. The employees of Alliant Energy focus on delivering the energy and exceptional service their customers and communities expect – safely, reliably, and affordably. Visit alliantenergy.com or call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) for more information. Alliant Energy Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT.

This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified as such because the statements include words such as "expect," "believe," or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe future plans or strategies are also forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual results could be affected by such factors as: state regulatory actions or local government actions which delay, prevent or alter the proposed plans; economic conditions in Alliant Energy's service territory; political conditions in Alliant Energy's service territories; failure of equipment and technology to perform as expected; future changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in fuel prices; and issues related to electric transmission. These factors should be considered when evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof and Alliant Energy and Wisconsin Power and Light Company undertake no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Request for proposals details

The RFP is requesting that respondents supply up to 600 megawatts of capacity and energy to Alliant Energy Wisconsin customers beginning in 2019 reflecting anticipated retirements of coal units and potential retirements of gas peaking units. The RFP solicits ownership and/or long-term Purchased Power Agreement (PPA) proposals for new or existing resources, or access to a portion of the output of a system of resources, to supply all or a portion of its long-term electric capacity and energy needs. Electronic proposals are due by July 25, 2014.

Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility has retained Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc. (Concentric) to manage the RFP process. The RFP may be found on Concentric's website ceadvisors.com.

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SOURCE Alliant Energy Corporation