Project: Weston 4 Coal-Fired Power Project
Location: Wisconsin

Overview:

The Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) needed new generating resources in Wisconsin, thanks to continuing load growth and generating unit retirements. To cost-effectively meet this need, DPC negotiated with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) to acquire a 30 percent interest in the 530-megawatt (MW) Weston 4 Project. CoBank provided permanent financing for DPC’s share, using the Rural Utilities Services’ (RUS) Lien Machine Process to provide security for CoBank’s construction financing. 

The project, incorporating conventional and commercially proven supercritical boiler and steam turbine generator technologies, uses sub-bituminous coal (from the Powder River Basin near Gillette, WY) as its primary fuel.

E3 Services Provided:

• Conducted the technical due diligence required for the CoBank construction financing, providing critical support for the first application of RUS’ Lien Machine Process

• Worked closely with the RUS and CoBank to define each participant’s needs, providing clear and concise information. E3’s report was accepted by RUS without exceptions.

Project Spotlights:

• The project was unique because of:
  
  • Its private/public power joint ownership
  • Application of supercritical steam conditions
  • Utilization of the Lien Machine Process, and
  • The high-level of cooperation among all parties involved