As was previously announced on The Banner, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted on September 25, 2025 to approve the application of Whitewater Solar to construct a massive “solar farm” to the east of the city, with connection to the cogeneration plant owned by We Energies, located within the city limits on County U. The developers indicate that the 180-megawatt project will be able to generate enough electricity to power more than 21,000 homes. On November 6, 2025 the Wisconsin Public Service Commission issued the final decision documenting the approval.
Wisconsin Public Radio published the following comments in an online article:.
“Clean energy and environmental groups framed the approvals as wins for the renewable energy sector. ‘Renewable energy generally is facing a lot of threats nationally. Our federal government is taking a lot of creative paths to putting up hurdles for renewables,’ said Chelsea Chandler, climate, energy and air program director for the nonprofit Clean Wisconsin. ‘It’s encouraging to see that projects are still getting permitted here in Wisconsin.’….
The Whitewater Solar project is being developed by Whitewater Solar LLC, an affiliate of New York-based DESRI. It’s a spinoff from the D.E. Shaw group, an investment and technology development firm. The developer estimates the project will create hundreds of local construction jobs.
In a statement, Aileen Kenney, principal of project management and development at DESRI, said the developer is pleased that the project received approval from utility regulators.
“(DESRI) looks forward to working with the communities in Jefferson and Walworth Counties further as the development is finalized and the project is constructed,” the statement reads.
In its application to the PSC, the developer said it hoped to begin construction in April 2026 and complete the project by February 2028. [End of quotes from Wisconsin Public Radio.]
Opponents to the project have cited concerns including the effect on neighboring landowners and on the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest and Ice Age Trail. This article includes many of the objections. The opponents are still continuing their efforts to overturn the decision, with a twenty-day deadline from November 6 to file an appeal. Contributions towards legal fees are being accepted at the GoFundMe page with the QR code shown below. Thus far $1400 has been raised towards the initial $20,000 goal. The page indicates that “if the lawyers tell us we cannot win, we will not file, and we will return all donor funds.” Yvette Loiselle, one of the intervenors, told The Banner “We need residents to stand up and help us now!!!! PROTECT THE FARMLAND. SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBOR. SAVE THE KETTLE!”
