Elk Mound Combustion Turbines

Dairyland Power Cooperative’s two Elk Mound Combustion Turbines in Chippewa County, Wis., have been enhancing the reliability of the power supply in the region since June 2001. The two combustion turbines add 95 megawatts (MW) of reliable peaking capacity and energy to the Dairyland system and the Upper Midwest.

These units are crucial to maintaining a reliable and affordable energy supply for Dairyland's members, especially during peak operating times (typically the hottest days of summer and coldest days of winter). In addition to enhancing reliability for our members, these units benefit all of the electric consumers in northwest Wisconsin by helping ensure a reliable supply of power during periods of high-energy use.

The Elk Mound Combustion Turbines are a key example of addressing the ever-increasing demand on Dairyland’s power system. They will be used during peak periods—those times when consumers place the greatest demand on Dairyland’s generating system.

The dual fuel combustion turbines (fuel oil and natural gas) are expected to operate about 1,000 hours a year. The site is served by existing transmission lines and is adjacent to Dairyland’s substation site near Elk Mound, Wis., which has been owned and operated by Dairyland since 1960.