Posted Wednesday, July 11, 2012 --- 8:20 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin Supreme Court says state regulators approved a Madison-based utility's plans for a Minnesota wind farm under the proper statutes.

The Citizens Utility Board and the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group contended the state Public Service Commission incorrectly approved Wisconsin Power & Light's plan to build a massive wind farm north of Albert Lea under the wrong statutes. The groups argued the PSC improperly approved the farm under a certificate of authority rather than a certificate of public convenience, which would have required a more stringent review.

Justice Patience Roggensack wrote in the majority opinion Wednesday that the PSC's finding that a public convenience certificate applies only to projects within Wisconsin was reasonable.

The consumer group's attorney, Kira Loehr, didn't immediate return a message.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.