Logo

Regulators approve upgrades at Burlington Generating Station

The upgrades will make the energy grid more resilient by replacing older infrastructure with five new RICE units.

BURLINGTON, Iowa (February 16, 2026) – Alliant Energy (NASDAQ: LNT) received approval to move forward with upgrades to the Burlington Generating Station in Burlington. The approval allows Alliant Energy to add five new reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) units, totaling 94-megawatts, to replace the combustion turbines that have operated at the Burlington site for more than 30 years. 

The Iowa Utilities Commission unanimously approved Alliant Energy’s Certificate of Public Convenience, Use and Necessity request. 

“With the new RICE units at the Burlington Generating Station, we are positioning the communities we serve for a resilient and reliable energy future,” said Mayuri Farlinger, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company and vice president of energy delivery. “Our investment strategy remains focused on cost‑conscious decisions that enhance reliability today and help prevent unnecessary costs for customers in the years ahead.”  

“The upgrades at the Burlington Generating Station are a win for the Burlington community and the surrounding region,” said Chad Bird, Burlington city manager. “This approval opens the door to new local construction jobs and supports a more resilient energy grid, helping position the greater Burlington community and Iowa for future investment.”  

Throughout the regulatory approval process, Alliant Energy’s proposal received support from the city of Burlington, the Iowa Federation of Labor, the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local (LIUNA) 177, the Southeast Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council and the Greater Burlington Partnership. Leaders praised the project for being centered on reliability for customers and community growth, along with the opportunity to create new jobs to perform the upgrades.  

When operational, the new RICE units will serve as a flexible resource, activating as needed around the clock to meet demand. Designed for rapid response, the units can ramp up in as little as five minutes. The company plans to repurpose existing gas supply and transmission connections to support the upgrades.   

As energy demand grows and technology evolves, Alliant Energy is leading the way with investments in its balanced energy portfolio, which combines traditional resources, like natural gas, with renewable energy and battery storage solutions to best serve customers and position communities for growth.  

 The company anticipates construction will begin in spring 2026, with plans to have the RICE units operational in 2029. For more information about Alliant Energy’s balanced energy portfolio, visit  alliantenergy.com/energyblueprint.  

About Alliant Energy

Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to approximately 1 million electric and 430,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, FacebookInstagram and X.

Media Contact

Taylor Adams

[email protected]

(515) 868-9294

Contact Media Relations

24-hour access for reporters

For Iowa inquiries: (319) 786-4040
For Wisconsin inquiries: (608) 458-4040
[email protected]

Related Stories

View More News Releases