It was the center of some heated debate, but a new power plant in downtown Madison is ready to open.
Opponents of the plant said it would create too much pollution. Gut MG&E and UW officials said it was necessary to keep the lights on.
The West Campus Cogeneration Facility is designed to meet the increasing demand in Madison and the campus area. It started operating in spring of 2005.
Wednesday, Governor Jim Doyle was at the plant for a special dedication ceremony.
"By combining the UW steam and chilled water operation with MG&E's electricity generation the West campus facility will eliminate waste... making it twice as efficient as a traditional power plant," said Governor Jim Doyle.
Officials say this power plant is providing the UW with steam and chilled water to support its research and lab areas. It is also supplying electricity for other MG&E customers.
