DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

In 2024 Net Energy Metering (NEM) remained a top issue for RENEW staff. After successfully defending NEM in 2023 we turned our focus to the impending investigation into parallel generation, which the PSC opened in March. RENEW hopes the investigation will direct the future of NEM policy for the entire state. RENEW’s policy team submitted comments to the PSC on how to approach this important investigation. We are happy to report the PSC largely agreed with our vision for the investigation.

The PSC also took up a case this year considering revised NEM pricing for Sturgeon Bay Utilities, a municipal utility. RENEW was concerned that this case could result in reduced buyback rates for rooftop solar across dozens of municipal utilities. Ultimately, the PSC determined that it needed more information before adjusting the rates. We expect this issue to come up again in 2025 and are ready to defend fair buyback rates for solar owners across Wisconsin.

As we enter 2025, RENEW expects several important PSC decisions in both the ongoing NEM investigation and individual utility parallel generation cases. The RENEW policy team will closely follow upcoming PSC developments. You can support our work on these issues by donating to RENEW and making your voice heard during future public comment opportunities.

UTILITY-SCALE CLEAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

This year we saw the largest solar project in Wisconsin (to date) approved. After several rounds of testimony from Andrew Kell (Policy Director) and advocacy from our supporters, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved the 1.3 gigawatt (GW) project. This historic decision is a significant step toward meeting our decarbonization goals. The project will also be accompanied by 300 megawatts (MW) of battery storage.

We also saw the completion of two large solar projects. Grant County Solar added 200 MW of new solar with 100 MW of battery storage. Paris Solar Park added 200 MW of new solar and its own battery storage system coming in at 110 MW. We are proud to see projects we supported at the PSC come online!

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

Beata Wierzba (Government Affairs Director) started the year off with a significant legislative win with the passing of legislation that granted Wisconsin access to $78 million in federal funding for the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Signed into law on March 12, 2024, this legislation helped turbocharge the build-out of EV charging stations across the state. Thanks to Beata’s efforts to navigate competing interests and the tireless advocacy from our supporters, we have made Wisconsin a more desirable place to drive an EV.

ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION

With the EV charging infrastructure bill passed, RENEW Wisconsin turned its attention to supporting the build-out of charging stations across the state. We are excited to see the bill we helped pass, delivering results for Wisconsin. When not advocating for EV infrastructure, Ben Behlke (Clean Technology Manager), has been working with school districts across Wisconsin to help them navigate funding opportunities for electric school buses. This fall, the EPA made $965 million in rebate funding available for the 2024 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program. Your donation will help Ben continue to help districts apply for electric school buses before the January 9, 2025 deadline.

SOLAR FOR GOOD AND MADISUN SOLAR ENERGY PROGRAM

There was a lot for nonprofits to celebrate this year! RENEW’s Tiana Snyder (Program Coordinator) and Julia Holzschuh (Communications and Events Coordinator) helped recipients of Solar for Good grants celebrate the completion of their projects across the state. There were 29 grants awarded in 2024, totaling 256 in all since the program started. In all, RENEW staff attended and coordinated 28 Solar for Good ribbon cuttings. Funded by Couillard Solar Foundation, Solar for Good has helped nonprofits across the state install more than 10,500 kilowatts of solar energy since 2017.

RENEW Wisconsin and Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) also hosted four Solar Workforce Training Courses as part of the MadiSUN Solar Energy Program. Tiana is already looking forward to helping coordinate additional training courses in 2025 as we look to help new workers enter the solar industry. MadiSUN is the City of Madison’s solar program administered by RENEW Wisconsin.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2024

Our work has taken us down many paths this year and as we continue to advance clean energy in Wisconsin. In 2024 we focused on expanding access to clean energy by addressing barriers presented by multifamily metering. Current Wisconsin law requires that apartment buildings or multifamily dwellings have separate meters for each unit. The wiring needed for this makes it cost-prohibitive to include solar panels and energy-efficient systems in new buildings or to retrofit existing buildings with clean technologies. RENEW staff is making the case that developers should be allowed to install a single meter for multifamily buildings, with the ultimate goal of making sure every Wisconsinite can benefit from clean energy.

RENEW also focused on strengthening our community this year with the Green Revolution of Women, otherwise known as GROW! On Thursday, October 3, the women of RENEW Wisconsin held the first of many GROW events at Giant Jones Brewing. GROW was founded to create a welcoming space for women to connect, gain mentorship opportunities, and build lasting friendships that can enhance their work in building a clean energy economy. We are excited to continue to build lasting connections through these events!

In summary, we are beyond proud of the RENEW Team and our many supporters for everything we accomplished this year! Without the daily contributions from those who care deeply about our mission, we would not be able to accomplish all we did in 2024. Thank you!