Ten Mile
Creek Project
Safe, reliable, emission-free energy for the Upper Midwest
Overview
The Ten Mile Creek Project would provide safe, reliable, emission-free energy to Xcel Energy customers in the Upper Midwest. The project would deliver approximately 300 megawatts of solar energy and 300 megawatts of battery energy storage connected to the grid by a 17-19 mile transmission line. The proposed project would be built on 2,980 acres in the towns of Erin Prairie and Hammond in St. Croix County. An application is expected to be filed with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin around the end of 2025.
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Maintain reliability
To maintain reliability as electricity needs grow throughout the region, new energy infrastructure is needed. The nearby Allen S. King Power Plant will be retired in 2028 and new energy sources are needed to serve Xcel Energy customers in the Upper Midwest.
Use existing grid connection
To utilize the existing grid interconnection, including a large substation at the retiring King Power Plant site, the Ten Mile Creek Project will connect through a 17-19 mile transmission line that delivers energy to the existing grid connection, providing power to customers throughout the region.
Best, most viable alternative
After significant study and analysis, it was determined that installing solar and battery storage near the retiring power plant offers the best and most viable alternative for using valuable grid infrastructure in the area.
Why Solar + Storage?
Enhanced Reliability
- Reliable, around-the-clock power: Pairing solar with energy storage means power is available when it's needed most—day or night—and helps keep the grid reliable.
- Grid stability and resilience: Energy storage works like a backup battery for the grid. It saves extra solar power when the sun is shining and sends it back when it's needed—helping keep electricity steady, reliable and cost-effective.
Project Benefits
The Ten Mile Creek Project is expected to create significant local economic benefits, including more than 300 construction jobs during development. It will also bring a direct financial benefit to the area through the Wisconsin Shared Revenue Utility Aid Program. If approved, the project will provide more than $1 million annually in combined local shared revenue payments to be split between St. Croix County and towns where the project is located. The county will receive two-thirds of the annual revenue, and the towns of Erin Prairie and Hammond will split the remaining one-third.
Click or tap through the cards below to explore the benefits of
this project.
Economy
- The project generates annual Wisconsin Shared Revenue Utility Aid Program payments, which are a reliable source of funding for St. Croix County and towns where the project is located.
- Projected to create more than 300 local construction jobs.
- Solar panels will be placed on land leased from private landowners, maintaining family farm ownership and creating a reliable source of income.
Environment
- Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that produces no emissions.
- About 90% of solar panel materials can be recycled.
- Natural opportunity for soil to rebuild and recharge water table for future fertile land.
- Solar panels produce no air or water pollution and require no water to generate electricity.
Energy Supply
- A mix of sources allows Xcel Energy to balance its energy supply and reduce reliance on any single fuel source.
- A diversified mix of resources reduces the cost of fuel needed for electricity generation.
Technology
- Solar and energy storage technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Innovation in design has made solar energy more efficient and accessible, allowing solar energy to remain a reliable source, even during periods of low sunlight.
- Advanced tracking systems enable solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day, maximizing the amount of electricity generated.
Habitat
- For more than 30 years, Xcel Energy has led projects and supported initiatives that have helped pollinators thrive. We currently manage over 2,100 acres of pollinator habitat and are committed to planting native pollinator plants around our solar projects.
- This commitment offers a win-win for communities by enhancing ecosystem health, promoting biodiversity, conserving resources and contributing to the well-being of people and wildlife.
Safety
- Solar systems are designed to withstand drastic temperature and weather-related changes and have software monitoring services that automatically adjust in severe weather instances.
- Utility-scale battery systems are designed with multiple layers of protection to prevent and contain potential hazards. Our safety features include, but are not limited to, smoke, heat and combustible gas detectors, fire alarm control panels both on individual enclosures and site level, deflagration panels, ventilation systems, multi-level Battery Management Systems (BMS) and other critical safety features. The site will have cameras strategically located to monitor the site 24/7. In the event of a fire, after it is extinguished, Xcel Energy will be responsible for cleanup and repairs.
- Xcel Energy will coordinate with local first responders and EMS teams to share its emergency response plans and provide the necessary training so local responders are fully prepared in the event of an emergency.
Low Maintenance
- Solar panels have few moving parts and require minimal maintenance, making them a durable and dependable source of electricity throughout their lifespan.
Project Location
The proposed Ten Mile Creek Project would be located in the towns of Erin Prairie and Hammond in St. Croix County. The majority of the project would be located between County Road G to the north, 150th Street to the west, 100th Avenue to the south and State Highway 63 to the east.
View detailed site maps
Timeline
▶ Engagement opportunities
2024
- Project planning
- Public and stakeholder engagement
2025
- Project planning
- Public and stakeholder engagement
- Submit application to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW)
2026-2027
- PSCW review process
- PSCW scoping meetings
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Environmental Review
- PSCW hearing(s)
- PSCW decision
2027-2029
- Construction (if approved)
2029
- In-service
Project Video
Hear how solar benefits the community from local voices and experts.
Answer your questions
Yes. Solar panels are primarily made of glass, aluminum, copper and other common materials. Solar projects also utilize steel racks to position panels, electrical cable and inverters and electric transformers to deliver power to the grid. All of this equipment is safe and contains the same materials that are found in household appliances.
Solar panels also emit no air or water pollution, don't use water to generate electricity, and do not contain any liquids, leak toxic chemicals or emit harmful fumes, and even if damaged, the materials inside remain sealed.
The project will result in payments of at least $1 million in revenue each year that will be shared between St. Croix County, the Town of Erin Prairie and the Town of Hammond for the life of the project.
A few Wisconsin communities that host renewable energy projects have used shared revenues to supplement their road maintenance and repair budgets, while others have augmented police and fire service through vehicle and equipment purchases. The Wisconsin Shared Revenue Utility Aid Program has no strings attached to it, thereby enabling local elected officials to use their discretion to decide how the revenue can best serve their communities.
Yes. There are more than 20 solar facilities in Wisconsin that are presently generating electricity for utility use.
