Blog - RENEW Wisconsin

Clean Energy Legislative Update • November 2024

by Beata Wierzba | Nov 11, 2024 | Advocacy, Legislative Watchlist, Local Government

Now that Election Day is behind us; some people are happy with the results and some are not. While others are still awaiting the results of narrow victories and anticipating recounts in others. As we slowly try to absorb the outcome, consequences, and possible opportunities for the next few years.

At first glance, the obvious. Americans are divided. The whys and hows can be left to those more knowledgeable about elections than I am.

With Republican Donald Trump’s reelection as President, many people in the renewable energy industry as a whole have questions about the future. Much could change under the new administration, rescinding funding for parts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), cuts to other incentives, changes to trade policy and greater costs for imported parts, a shift to a pro-fossil fuel agenda, and the possible roll-back of rules — all creating overall uncertainty. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, however, had the support of both parties and may prevail. The ramifications might not be known immediately, but we will continue doing what we can to help the industry navigate whatever changes may come.

President Trump’s administration, from the selection of the cabinet secretaries to many other roles in government, will have an easier time getting confirmations approved as the U.S. Senate is also back in Republican control. The outcome of the U.S. House is yet undetermined.

Wisconsin’s Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin was re-elected, continuing her support of clean energy. Wisconsin congressional delegates retained the same party affiliations with one new representative in the 8th Congressional District, Tony Wied replaced Mike Gallagher who resigned earlier.

At the State Capitol

Republicans retained their majority in the State Senate and State Assembly, but their margins have shrunk.

The Senate is now 18-15. Out of the 16 contested districts, Democrats flipped 4 seats held by Republicans, retained the vacant Democratic seat in the Milwaukee area, and protected the district in La Crosse held by Brad Pfaff. This means the State Senate no longer has the ability to override a governor’s veto by supermajority. It also means that the 2026 election will be hotly contested.

The losses:

Sen. Duey Stroebel, past author of the Community Solar legislation and opponent of ROFR (Right of First Refusal bill that utilities desperately wanted to pass to ensure more say in transmission projects). The race is noteworthy because of the staggering amount of political dollars spent as well as the apparent result of redistricting. For the coalition working on the Community Solar legislation, the shift is to find another Senate lead process and reintroduce the bill, with maybe a slightly different process.

Sen. Rob Cowles – no longer in the legislature because of his retirement after 42 years. He was a champion for all things renewable, and a thorn to some, because he questioned, challenged, and offered change to the usual. His genuine interest in the issues will be missed. We are thankful for their support of our issues.

The gains:

In the 30th Senate District, newly elected Jamie Wall brings a wealth of local government experience. As a candidate, Jamie participated in the RENEW Wisconsin Energy Fund event in the Green Bay area. There are 3 other new senators to work with.

In the State Assembly

The margins are likely to be 54-45, with Republicans ceding 10 seats.

One of the losses, significant to the Community Solar legislation, is Rep. Binsfeld who cosponsored the bill. But potential pluses are the two dozen new state representatives with fresh ideas and experience that could lead to greater support for our issues.

The narrower majority could also mean different committee make-up, in terms of the number of Republicans and Democrats assigned to committees, and a greater need for bipartisanship on issues. For the energy committee in particular, it also means a lot of new people as many committee members retired.

More to come as we prepare for the next legislative session and welcome the newly elected in the public policy arena.

CESA 10 Serving Schools & Going Solar

by Tiana Snyder | Nov 11, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Friday, November 1, Cooperative Education Services Agency 10 (CESA 10) celebrated the completion of its new 124.2-kilowatt solar array during their ribbon-cutting ceremony. Member school districts, Solar Connection, the Green Team, Couillard Solar Foundation, and RENEW Wisconsin joined the event to celebrate this significant milestone. The organization’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability in education sets a strong example for school districts and surrounding communities on the benefits of renewable energy and how they can go solar too.

Solar Connection installed a ground-mount solar system consisting of 235 solar panels with 115 panels secured through the Solar for Good grant program. The solar system is set to offset the organization’s electrical consumption by approximately 75%. The successful installation of this project was made possible through dedicated support from the CESA 10 team and support from funding sources. Additionally, the team took advantage of federal and state incentives including the Inflation Reduction Act and Focus on Energy.

Serving 29 school districts and more than 36,000 students, CESA 10 plays a crucial role in offering educational programs and services, ranging from college readiness programs to educational technology and facilities management. Choosing to go solar reflects a key part of their mission in helping schools reduce operational costs so that greater resources can be allocated to enriching the educational experience of students. Its new solar array will not only reduce its own operational costs, but also demonstrate to educators, students, and the broader community the long-term benefits of clean renewable energy.

Going solar is the latest step in CESA 10’s broader sustainability initiatives, but their journey into greater energy efficiency began several years ago. In recent years, they have also undertaken several energy efficiency upgrades including adding LED lighting, improving installation, and replacing roofs of its facilities. Each efficiency upgrade adds up to have a significant positive impact, including lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint. With the solar panels recently commissioned, the organization consistently plans to work towards further energy improvements.

Through their efforts, CESA 10 is not only benefiting their own facility but also contributing to a future where solar energy plays a larger role in Wisconsin’s schools. As a leader in showcasing the tools accessible to educators, this project encourages others to consider how they can explore clean energy solutions to enhance their efforts in serving students and having a positive environmental impact.

Multifamily Metering: Webinar on Wisconsin Electric Metering Rules

by RENEW Wisconsin | Nov 5, 2024 | Electrification, Policy, Solar

Recently RENEW Wisconsin joined 350 Wisconsin, Clean Wisconsin, Elevate, West Cap, and Powerlines to discuss the proposed changes to electric metering rules. You can watch the webinar and read below to learn more about the subject and how you can get involved.

Installing clean energy technology such as solar panels on multifamily buildings, whether they be apartments, condos, or co-ops often has more hurdles than it does for single-family homes and businesses. Wisconsin’s rules surrounding electric metering of Wisconsin residential buildings, (PSC 113.0803), require each individual unit of a building to have its own electric meters.

Electric metering has a direct impact on installation costs for technologies such as solar arrays, heat pumps, and more. This is mainly due to the amount of wiring required through the building to meet current requirements.

These outdated metering rules can exclude those who live in multifamily buildings from the benefits provided by clean and energy-efficient technology. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is actively reviewing the rules in order to update them. We look forward to a favorable change to these rules.

Speakers:

Orrie Walsvik, RENEW Wisconsin

Ciaran Gallagher, Clean Wisconsin

Emily Park, 350 Wisconsin

Heather Allen, Elevate

Mike Noreen, West Cap

And special guest, Charles Hua, Powerlines

Solar Solutions for Sugar Creek Lutheran Church

by Tiana Snyder | Oct 26, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

On October 20, 2024, Sugar Creek Lutheran Church opened its doors to welcome congregation members, nonprofit leaders, and representatives from other houses of worship to explore its new solar system. The new 19.6-kilowatt solar system is set to exceed the church’s current electrical needs by 14%. These savings will allow Sugar Creek Lutheran Church to continue supporting its congregation, provide scholarships to students pursuing higher education, and provide additional community programming.

The open house featured a tour of its new solar installation, a presentation provided by Solar Project Lead Ervin Schlepp, and materials that outline a step-by-step guide for how other community members and fellow nonprofits can switch to solar energy.

Established in 1849, Sugar Creek Lutheran Church has been a leader and innovator for the Elkhorn community by providing various programs, including a ‘food in backpacks’ meal service program for two schools, and scholarships for students to further their education. The church’s mission “to witness Christ’s love, presence and acceptance with and for all people” is the foundation of the work they do to ensure a positive well-being for the Elkhorn community.

As they approached their 175th anniversary, leadership of the church began to deeply consider how they could further impact the community while also excelling in care for the planet. The congregation’s strong connection to the rural land that the church is situated on drove the church’s desire to explore how Sugar Creek Lutheran Church could enhance its energy efficiency. The solar project team identified incentives including the Inflation Reduction Act 30% tax credit and Focus on Energy, which could help make the transition to solar energy a practical and feasible option. Grant programs further assisted Sugar Creek Lutheran Church in transitioning to solar by greatly reducing the upfront costs of installing the array.

Sugar Creek Lutheran Church contracted a local solar installer company, Adam’s Electric, to install 36 panels. Generous donations from the congregation, in addition to significant grants from the Couillard Solar Foundation and Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation facilitated the development of this project. Through the Solar for Good initiative, Couillard Solar Foundation provided half of the panels needed for the project, and the Moonshot Solar Program funded by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation contributed $25,000 in grants. By making this project possible through donations from the congregation, Couillard Solar Foundation, and Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation the church will operate on 100% clean energy.

“In our 175th year of life as a congregation and because of the generosity of our congregation we have the opportunity to provide for the electrical needs of Sugar Creek until we celebrate our 200th anniversary,” said Pastor Dick Inglett.

Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, and many other nonprofits across Wisconsin, lead by example within their communities by demonstrating how others can benefit through the power of solar by increasing savings and creating healthier communities. Well over 200 nonprofits across the state serve as ambassadors, encouraging communities to embrace clean and renewable energy through the Solar for Good grant program. Each organization reduces its own costs and inspires local residents to consider the positive impact of solar energy, creating a culture of sustainability and well-being in Wisconsin.

The 2024 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Application is Open!

by Ben Behlke | Oct 25, 2024 | Electric School Bus, Electric Vehicles, Electrification

Dozens of school districts in Wisconsin have already taken advantage of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate program. The program is back again for its second to last year.

The EPA has made $965 million in rebate funding available for the 2024 CSB Rebate Program. This is nearly $500 million more than what was available in the previous years. The application period opened on September 26 and will remain open until January 9, 2024. This is the second rebate funding opportunity through the multi-year funding program.

The EPA launched this program to help school districts purchase new, cleaner school buses for little or no cost. The Clean School Bus Program funds the replacement of existing diesel and gas-powered buses with cleaner buses that result in better air quality on the bus, near bus loading areas, and in the community generally. This program not only protects the health of children and the environment but also reduces operational costs for schools.

2024 Clean School Bus Rebates Overview

The EPA is prioritizing applications from high-need, rural, and Tribal school districts. There are nearly 100 Wisconsin school districts on the priority list. School Districts are eligible to receive rebates of up to $325,000 per school bus, up to 50 buses per district. These funds are also intended to cover the cost of charging infrastructure. If you are not a school district on the priority list, you can still apply for a chance to be awarded 170,000. This is a great opportunity for all school districts to replace aging buses with new electric school buses.

The deadline to apply for this year’s rebate program is January 9, 2024. School districts that previously applied for CSB funding may reapply if they meet eligibility requirements.

Applicants on the 2023 CSB rebate waitlist must also reapply.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
2024 CSB Rebates Application Period	September 26, 2024 – January 9, 2025, 3:00 PM CT
Various Webinars on CSB Program	October 2024 – December 2024
Final date to submit questions prior to the application period closing about the 2024 Rebates to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov	November 14, 2024, 3:00 PM CT
2024 CSB Rebates Application Deadline	January 9, 2025, 3:00 PM CT
Notification of applicants on selection status	May 2025

The following entities are eligible to apply for EPA school bus rebates:

State and local governmental entities that provide bus services, such as public school districts, including charter schools, with an NCES District ID.
Eligible contractors such as for-profit or nonprofit entities have the capacity to sell or finance clean or zero-emissions school buses or related charging infrastructure to school bus owners.
Nonprofit school transportation associations.
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funded school.

For questions about eligibility, please contact cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. For more information on electric school buses, route planning assistance, and applying to the Clean School Bus Program, contact RENEW at info@renewwisconsin.org.

Explaining Recent PSC Decisions on Net Metering and Parallel Generation Buyback Rates

by RENEW Wisconsin | Oct 25, 2024 | Net Metering, Policy, Solar

A Brief History on Recent Net Metering Decisions at the State Level

In 2023, Wisconsin utilities proposed to dramatically change Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies in the areas they provide energy. Such changes would have reduced the financial benefits for consumers with solar arrays at their homes or businesses. These proposals were ultimately rejected by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), however, the Commission agreed to gather more information in a separate statewide investigatory docket. RENEW staff wrote a blog on this topic last November.

This past March, the PSC reopened an existing investigation into parallel generation, also defined as consumer-generated electricity, to direct the future of NEM policy for the state of Wisconsin. Commission staff also issued a memo for comment on issues related to NEM, and requested information and analysis on these issues, including how Wisconsin could approach a potential Value of Solar Study (VOSS). Along with several other organizations, RENEW submitted comments to the PSC with regard to how the PSC should approach a VOSS and other analytical aspects of NEM policy.

Explaining the PSC’s Recent Decision on Net Energy Metering Policy

After gathering comments and information on VOSS, on September 26 Commission staff posted a memo outlining potential next steps, and the Commission quickly discussed and made a couple of important decisions. During the open meeting, the Commission announced that Commission staff have been working with Berkeley Lab and other national lab staff to conduct a nationwide VOSS literature review. The Commission decided to take no action until more information is gathered.

The Commission essentially decided to:

1) Wait until this VOSS literature review is complete

2) Post VOSS literature review for public comment

3) Decide what the next actionable steps are in the investigation

If interested, you can watch the YouTube archive of this meeting, with the NEM investigation discussion starting at the 3:20 mark.

Given the need to gather more information, RENEW believes that this was a good decision by the Commission. It shows that the PSC will use a deliberate process in this investigation and associated analyses, and is not interested in making immediate changes to NEM policy. RENEW staff are keeping an eye out for the results of the VOSS literature review and look forward to commenting and suggesting next steps for the PSC to consider.

Recent PSC Decision on Parallel Generation Buyback Rates

While the Commission further investigates NEM policy, the agency has also been actively revising utility pricing for large solar systems sited by businesses for their own use. The price a utility pays for energy generation beyond a customer’s needs is listed in its parallel generation buyback rates for systems above NEM thresholds.* While the Commission has already revised buyback rates for Wisconsin’s five major investor-owned utilities, it has also begun to consider municipal utility-proposed revisions. RENEW staff wrote a blog regarding Sturgeon Bay Utility’s proposed parallel generation rate revisions this past May.

During an open meeting discussion on October 10, the Commission considered Sturgeon Bay Utilities’ (SBU) proposal to revise its buyback rates. The Commission decided that it needed more information before revising SBU’s buyback rates, and requested that Commission staff reopen the docket to gather more information and analysis through an extended proceeding. The Commission’s decision on SBU’s proposed change could have sweeping impacts across the state as SBU is part of WPPI Energy, which has many municipal electric utility members in Wisconsin. WPPI has stated that it would like to revise all its municipal utilities’ parallel generation buyback rates in line with the Commission’s decision in the SBU case.

Next Steps on NEM and Parallel Generation Buyback Rates

In the coming months, RENEW expects several important Commission decisions in both the ongoing NEM investigation and individual utility parallel generation cases. RENEW staff will follow upcoming Commission developments closely and will directly participate with witness testimony and public comments. You can follow these issues as well, and make your voice heard when public comment opportunities arise. Sign up for RENEW updates and action alerts so that you can provide timely input on these important issues.

*NEM thresholds vary across Wisconsin utilities. WE Energies has a 300-kilowatt (kW) threshold, NSPW and MGE have 100 kW thresholds, WPL and WPS have 20 kW thresholds, and all other Wisconsin utilities regulated by the PSC have a 20-kW threshold.

Solar Ignites Change for First Presbyterian Church

by Tiana Snyder | Oct 23, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, First Presbyterian Church hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new 139.86-kilowatt solar array. This solar project is the largest system in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and is anticipated to offset 71.8% of the church’s electrical needs. Commissioned in September, the array has already produced 18,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, enough power to completely cover its electric bill for the month, and marks the first of many months to come where the church runs purely off of clean energy.

First Presbyterian Church is part of a collaborative network, Winnebago Presbytery, and is one of 28 congregations throughout Northeastern, Wisconsin. The church’s mission is to welcome “everyone to our faith journey, denying no one, regardless of their human condition, participation in church life. We are a sanctuary where people are accepted, included, and cared for as they are. As a community based on God’s love, we strive to serve our neighbors and the world.”

First Presbyterian Church’s journey into switching to clean energy began 21 years ago when the congregation chose to incorporate geothermal energy into its facilities. This form of energy production extracts heat from the ground to warm the facilities in colder months or provide cooling during hotter months. To continue its goal of further use of clean energy, the church turned to solar to enhance its efforts. When numerous forms of energy enhancements are combined, the impact of any one form of electrical generation is exemplified.

On Sunday, the congregation, Church leaders, Northwind Solar, the Couillard Solar Foundation, and RENEW Wisconsin joined for a breakfast celebration and to hear from keynote speakers who helped get this project completed. First Presbyterian Church’s Solar Lead Gilbert Nimm, explained how transitioning to clean energy not only impacts the immediate environment in Marshfield but is ubiquitous in creating positive change at a much larger scale.

“It became clear that there were tons and tons of carbon that we could stop from going into the atmosphere that affects people around the world,” Gilbert Nimm said, “We are very proud, you should all be proud that there are no fossil fuels being used in this facility.”

This solar project was completed thanks to the generous donations of the congregation through the capital campaign, “Reach for the Sun: Harnessing God’s Gift of Light”, an anonymous donor, Focus on Energy, and Solar for Good. Northwind Solar installed 260 panels at the location, each panel generating 540 kilowatts. Of the 260 panels, 129 were granted by the Couillard Solar Foundation in partnership with RENEW Wisconsin through Solar for Good.

First Presbyterian joins a community of nonprofits across the state of Wisconsin who are committed to taking on the challenge of actively working to conserve energy. Going solar through Solar for Good is a foundational step in becoming both more conscious of energy consumption and using clean energy to serve communities. The first month of energy production for First Presbyterian Church is just the start of a long road of reduced carbon emissions and savings that can be redistributed into programming that benefits the community.

RENEW Launches GROW | Green Revolution of Women

by Julia Holzschuh | Oct 14, 2024 | Advocacy, Community, DEAI, Events, GROW

On Thursday, October 3, the women of RENEW Wisconsin held the first of many GROW events. The Green Revolution of Women (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.

At the heart of the clean energy industry are the dedicated individuals who work day in and day out to create a better environment for Wisconsin. Fostering inclusivity and empowering all voices can be a challenge in any workplace, and it is with this obstacle in mind that the women of RENEW Wisconsin aim to connect women through GROW. By sharing our experiences – whether they’ve led to major successes or taught valuable lessons – GROW was designed to offer support and inclusivity. GROW brings women together to have a greater collective impact.

“As someone who is new to the renewable energy field, I’ve only been in it for a little under a year, I find that when I go to events it often feels like I don’t know a lot of people, and we just wanted to create a space where we can come together and create relationships that will help us intentionally build a community for women in the clean energy field,” said Kim Bauer, while welcoming GROW attendees.

RENEW welcomed a diverse group of women from all across Wisconsin at our first event, with over 40 women in attendance. GROW attendees spent the evening networking and enjoying each other’s company at Giant Jones, a Madison-based, woman-owned brewery. The event welcomed established leaders in the clean energy industry who have a wealth of experience, newcomers to the industry, and recent graduates who are beginning to explore a career in sustainability. While building new relationships and reconnecting with old friends, GROW attendees talked about a multitude of topics, including excitement for having a space to connect with other women in the industry.

“As someone fresh out of grad school, GROW was helpful for me to learn more about the field of renewable energy from more experienced women and get some tips about networking in a comfortable space,” said attendee Rhiannon Erhardt, a recent graduate from the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies.

As GROW continues to grow, the women of RENEW Wisconsin plan to create spaces where women can build confidence in their professional capabilities and feel empowered in the clean energy revolution. The GROW community will help women advance their careers and connect with those who have shared experiences. In addition to hosting quarterly events in Madison and Milwaukee, we have also created a GROW group on our community portal, which women in the industry are encouraged to join to connect between events! The women of RENEW Wisconsin want to express our sincerest gratitude for the crowd that showed up for our first GROW event and we look forward to seeing everyone in December.

St Vincent de Paul’s Solar-Powered Future

by Tiana Snyder | Oct 4, 2024 | MadiSUN, Solar, Solar for Good

On October 1, 2024, St. Vincent de Paul welcomed community members, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, the Couillard Solar Foundation, and RENEW Wisconsin to join in celebration of the Grand Re-opening of the Williamson Street location after the completion of their renovation. The grand re-opening showcased a refreshed retail space, a mural showcasing the history of the Williamson Street location, and a brand new 48.1-kilowatt solar system. This occasion not only marked a fresh start for St. Vincent de Paul but renewed their commitment to serving the greater Madison community through social services and environmental stewardship.

Since 1941, St. Vincent de Paul’s Williamson Street location has played a crucial role in supporting the greater Madison community by providing essential services including food, clothing, furniture, and medicine. The dedicated team has worked tirelessly to ensure that families have access to these resources, making a significant impact in many lives. Last year alone, over 3,500 families received assistance from St. Vincent de Paul.

The generous donations from the Couillard Solar Foundation’s Solar for Good grant and the City of Madison’s MadiSUN Backyard grant allow St. Vincent de Paul to save on utility expenses, contributing to a bright future for the team and the communities they serve. Their new solar array is set to generate 59,600 kWh of renewable energy each year, offsetting their utility expenses by 57 percent. These savings enable their team to focus more resources on providing and expanding social services.

The solar system, situated on the rooftop of the Social Services Suite, powers essential programs that support single adults and families in securing financial stability. These programs help community members maintain financial stability and prevent future homelessness. Additionally, the organization’s microlending programs offer assistance to people facing emergencies and provide a safety net to those in need.

Sustainability is deeply integrated throughout many aspects of the organization’s operations. By offering second-hand shopping experiences, St. Vincent de Paul not only makes vital resources accessible and affordable but also contributes to reducing waste and decreasing demand for new products. Community members who donate these goods play a crucial role in these sustainability efforts, allowing for clothes, furniture, and household items to be reused instead of ending up in landfills. The recent installation of solar panels through the Solar for Good and MadiSUN Backyard grants further exemplifies St. Vincent de Paul’s commitment to building a healthy and resilient community.

By embracing renewable energy, St. Vincent de Paul Williamson Street demonstrates a shining example of providing service to communities effectively while also prioritizing environmental responsibility. The grand re-opening gathered supporters, community leaders, and those who believe in their mission to celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a bright future that reinforces their devotion to uplift and support the Madison community.

Clean Energy Works: Joey Cheng, manager of system planning, ATC

by RENEW Wisconsin | Sep 18, 2024 | Clean Energy Works, Jobs

For the past eight years, Joey Cheng has worked for ATC, a Wisconsin-based, regulated utility that moves energy along the electric power grid in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In her position, Cheng and her team assess the present and future needs of the electrical grid. They use electrical system models to analyze grid performance, develop network solutions, and determine the best value plan for interconnecting load and generation to ATC’s system.

Cheng has spent over 20 years working in the power industry. She has held various roles at ATC, including transmission planning engineer and team lead of substation services. She is currently the manager of system planning. Before starting her career in the power industry, Cheng studied at the National Taiwan Ocean University, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. She continued her studies and earned a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science in management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

“When I started my career, the electric industry was still heavily reliant on fossil fuels as the main electrical generation resource. But for the last several years, we’ve seen a transition to more renewable energy sources due to public policy changes and concerns over climate change. We are also seeing economic growth in our region that will require more energy and increase the load on our system.”

The electric power you use every day flows through a three-part system – generation, transmission, and distribution. Power plants, solar fields, wind farms, and other sources generate electricity that flows through high-voltage transmission power lines over long distances to substations where the voltage is lowered. The power then flows over smaller, local wires known as distribution lines to homes and businesses. The high-voltage power lines are like interstate highways and are a cornerstone of our nation’s electric power system.

Cheng explains that the transition from traditional generation sources (like coal) to renewable energy generation (like solar and wind) brings new needs and challenges to grid planning. She views this with excitement — a new challenge means a new opportunity. How the grid is built today helps ensure reliable energy for tomorrow.

“It’s like a puzzle, and because the issues are new, sometimes we don’t have all the pieces yet,” Cheng said, “But it’s the collaboration of other colleagues, our utility customers, and others in the industry that make it possible for us to interconnect new load and generation sources and strengthen the grid during this time. We can’t rely on just one person; it’s everybody having to contribute and collaborate.” Cheng shared that the collaborative culture at ATC is one of the reasons her team can keep up with the industry demand and remain flexible while planning.

Work like Cheng’s can help Wisconsin to better utilize current renewable energy resources by reducing electric grid constraints and keeping the power flowing. Currently, wind farms in eastern Iowa and southwest Wisconsin are not fully utilized. With more renewable energy projects coming online over the next decade, this challenge may continue unless electric grid infrastructure is expanded in the Upper Midwest, something that is necessary to support RENEW’s mission to advance renewable energy in Wisconsin.

And although electric grid system planning may not have the same public visibility as the release of a new cell phone, ATC’s behind-the-scenes work supports everyday life and is critical to society. While a phone connects us to the world around us, the electric grid powers our communities and keeps lights on in Wisconsin homes and businesses. Each ATC office is also involved in their local community. Cheng has been active in her community by participating in the De Pere Chamber of Commerce’s Art in the Park and cleanup of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay.

When Cheng thinks about system planning for the electric grid, she feels very motivated, explaining that ATC has provided her with various leadership and engineering opportunities to learn and grow alongside the industry. She says the technical work is challenging and intriguing at the same time, and the support and collaboration with her colleagues make the experience rewarding.

“Because the industry is changing, the environment is evolving. It’s important to keep up with the latest standards, the latest technology, and the latest trends in the industry. That’s what we’re trying to do at ATC in order to provide a safe and reliable pathway for power.”

When she isn’t working, Cheng loves reading, exercising, and traveling with her family. To her, work-life balance is essential.

“We all have very challenging work that requires a lot of focus and energy. As a manager, I make it a point to lead by example and take time to relax and recharge. I encourage my team to do the same. Work is important, but so is having a fulfilling life outside of work.”

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