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Clean Energy Legislative Update • March 2025

by Beata Wierzba | Mar 11, 2025 | Advocacy, Legislative Watchlist, Local Government

The 2025 legislation is starting to heat up, there are plenty of legislative issues moving through the legislature! Here are a few that we are tracking:

Technical fix to EV-charging — Senate Bill 96

This bill clarifies how the charging tax is administered. It does not apply to level 1, 2, or 3 chargers located at a residence, as the intent of the law was to apply to public chargers. The actual entity that owns or operates the charging station must register, file, and pay the charging excise tax.

RENEW supports SB 96.

Local Project Approval — Senate Bill 3 & Assembly Bill 7

This proposal drastically changes the regulatory landscape for renewable energy projects. The bill adds a requirement that any solar or wind project over 15 megawatts needs approval by the local town, village, or municipality before being considered by the Public Service Commission.

Wisconsin’s current law is considered the gold standard for siting as large projects over 100 MW require PSC approval, and smaller projects fall under local jurisdictions. The change would make it more difficult to site future development and create greater uncertainty for private developers.

RENEW is joined by at least 17 lobbying groups opposing the bills.

Right of First Refusal — Assembly Bill 25 & Senate Bill 28

Wisconsin utilities have introduced the ROFR bill again this session, which would give incumbent utilities first dibs [right] to construct, own, and maintain transmission lines in the state, and only after they decline the project [refuse], then other transmission companies could be considered.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator or MISO oversees transmission needs in the Midwest, and the grid operator has plans for major upgrades to be made in the next decade. MISO rules require sharing of the cost of construction, maintenance, and operations across all beneficiaries of the added infrastructure. Wisconsin’s three transmission utilities – Xcel Energy, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and American Transmission Company could be considered in the bidding even without ROFR.

RENEW does not have a specific position on the bill but generally supports expanding transmission to support the growing demand for electricity.

The groups supporting the measures outnumber those opposing two to one. At least 15 republican legislators have registered in opposition during a recent hearing on the bills. Several amendments are pending.

Climate Accountability Act — LRB 2137

Several democratic legislators are working on legislation to reduce carbon emissions by requiring that Wisconsin adopt concrete and accountable climate action plans to cut greenhouse emissions by 52% by 2030 and maximize the economic benefits of climate action for all Wisconsin residents.

Resolution honoring the 55th anniversary of Earth Day

This joint resolution supports Earth Day founder, former United States Senator and Governor of Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson on the 55th anniversary of the celebration, first held on April 22, 1970.

The State of EVs: Insights from the Chicago Auto Show

by Ben Behlke | Mar 7, 2025 | Electric Vehicles, Electrification

The past few weeks have been eventful for the EV industry. Changes to NEVI funding, CFI grants, Clean School Bus grants, and discussions about altering EV tax credits at the federal level have raised questions about where things stand. With all this movement, many advocates and EV owners are wondering what the future holds.

That’s why my visit to the Chicago Auto Show last week felt so timely. This event isn’t just a playground for car enthusiasts. It is where automakers showcase their latest models, concept vehicles, and innovative technology. It’s also a great opportunity for organizations like RENEW to see how the auto industry is positioning itself for the future.

And after walking through car manufacturer to car manufacturer, I can confidently say that EVs are still a core part of the automotive industry.

Despite political shifts and an evolving narrative around electrification, automakers are still committed. EVs were front and center at nearly every major booth. No matter where you looked, there was an EV or plug-in hybrid showcased on a stage, positioned right alongside the manufacturers’ most popular gasoline models.

Automakers Are All In

At Ford’s booth, one of the first things you saw walking into the main hall was the F-150 Lightning, the Mustang Mach-E, and Ford’s proprietary home charging setup. These displays were front and center of the Ford display, making it clear Ford still sees EVs as a priority

Over at Jeep, the focus was, as expected, all about off-roading. They had their usual rugged terrain display, showcasing the Wrangler and Gladiator’s trail capabilities. But what was running the trail with them? The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, demonstrating how combining an electric motor with an internal combustion engine enhances torque, fuel efficiency, and even allows for silent off-roading—something that was almost unheard of when it was first introduced.

The Stellantis brands (Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge) had a strong presence. Ram was showing off its new RamCharger chassis, a plug-in hybrid setup that uses a gas-powered generator to feed electricity to the battery, allowing for a range of over 650 miles. Chrysler had a brand-new luxury EV concept on display, the Halcyon. Dodge, known for their muscle cars, was showcasing their push into electrification with the all-new EV muscle car, the Next-Gen Charger. Across the board, hybrid and electric models were integrated with their gas-powered lineup.

Even Toyota, a company that’s been openly hesitant about fully embracing EVs, made a statement. While they’ve been more focused on hybrids and plug-in hybrids, than full battery electric vehicles. Toyota made it clear, through their display, they are committed to electrification.

A High-Performance Future

One of the most exciting parts of the show was the indoor EV test track. It wasn’t just about looking at the cars, it was about experiencing them. Automakers set up a track where attendees could take rides in some of the latest EVs and feel that signature instant torque and smooth acceleration firsthand. Ford, GM, Stellantis, Rivian, Volkswagen, and others were all there, letting people experience the power of electric vehicles first hand.

The Bigger Picture: Why People Choose EVs

Walking through the auto show, it became clear that automakers are designing EVs and hybrids for a wide range of drivers. Not everyone is buying EVs for the same reasons and the industry is responding to that reality.

Some people buy an EV for cost savings, with lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Others love them for performance with quick acceleration, off-road capabilities, and cutting edge technology.
And, of course, many are drawn to the climate benefits, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting the shift to renewable energy.

And honestly, it doesn’t matter why someone chooses an EV or plug-in hybrid—what matters is that they do.

At RENEW Wisconsin, our goal is to see transportation powered by clean energy. The best way to make that happen? Increase EV and plug-in hybrid adoption. Whether someone is buying an EV for fuel savings, performance, environmental benefits, or a mix of all three, the result is the same: more electric vehicles on the road and a step closer to a cleaner transportation future.

So while the headlines may suggest uncertainty in the EV market, the Chicago Auto Show told a different story. It was a story of growth, innovation, and a strong commitment from automakers to electrification. The EV industry is strong and continues to expand into new markets.

2025 RENEW Wisconsin Summit Recap!

by Alex Beld | Feb 17, 2025 | Community, Events, RENEW Wisconsin

On Thursday, February 6, RENEW held our 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit, presented by Invenergy and Dimension Energy. More than 850 Attendees from across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and even around the globe joined us to discuss state policy, develop professionally, and explore how clean energy is empowering Wisconsin communities.

Not only was this our first Summit that exceeded 800 attendees, but it was also our first time hosting the Energy Pro Demo Day Presented by MREA! Demo Day featured renewable energy education sessions, insights into the latest clean energy technology, NABCEP continuing education credit opportunities, and networking opportunities with top brands and clean energy experts. We are proud to have been able to partner with MREA to add this programming to the Summit. We believe that one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy is to grow and foster the talented workforce that resides in our communities across Wisconsin.

And that’s what the Summit was all about this year, our community. In the year ahead we are looking forward to strengthening and growing the renewable energy community. By maintaining our connections with each other we can use our collective voice to shape our future. This year we had many inspiring speakers who exemplified the spirit of community-focused advocacy for renewable energy.

This year we heard about:

Innovative clean energy technologies and their real-world applications
Policy frameworks that support sustainable development and community resilience
Successful case studies of cross-sector collaborations
Strategies for ensuring inclusivity and economic equity in the clean energy transition
Best practices for public engagement and advocacy

We were also joined by the likes of our keynote Erica Mackie, and State Senator Jeff Smith. Erica shared insights on a slew of topics from energy equity and workforce development to collaboration with Tribal Nations and federal policy. Senator Smith closed out the day’s events with a forward-looking message on the renewable energy landscape for Wisconsin and the clean energy industry. Thanks to Erica, Jeff, and everyone else who was either joining us for the first time or the 14th time. It’s your participation that makes this event so impactful.

Beyond the many thoughtful breakouts and inspirational stories we heard, attendees also had many opportunities to catch up with other industry leaders, make new connections, and even find opportunities to help each other find ways to complete their renewable energy goals. As we wrap up another successful Summit, we encourage all of our attendees to keep in touch with us and everyone else they had the chance to connect with this year. Our community has the momentum and the know-how needed to reach our goal of a Wisconsin that runs on clean, reliable energy. Thanks to everyone for joining us this year to share your expertise, enthusiasm, and energy. We can’t wait to do it again in 2026!

RENEW Wisconsin 2025 Summit Honors Clean Energy Leaders

by Alex Beld | Feb 7, 2025 | Press Release, RENEW Wisconsin

February 4, 2025, Madison, Wis. — During its 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit, RENEW Wisconsin, with presenting sponsors Invenergy and Dimension Energy, will honor individuals and businesses who have made significant and lasting advances in clean energy development in Wisconsin. The Summit will take place Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Monona Terrace in Madison.

RENEW’s 2025 Summit, titled “Powering Tomorrow: Collaborative Innovations for Thriving Communities,” will convene stakeholders from across the state to discuss the latest advancements in clean energy technologies and collaborative strategies driving the transition to a sustainable future. More than 50 speakers made up of industry leaders and experts, like keynote speaker Erica Mackie co-founder of GRID Alternatives, are joining RENEW at this year’s Summit.

The awards are grouped under five categories:

Clean Energy Leadership Award: Maria Redmond – Advancing Wisconsin’s clean energy plan
Clean Energy Community Impact Award: Isaiah Ness – Helping disadvantaged communities transition away from fossil fuels
Clean Energy Advocate of the Year: Abby Novinska-Lois – Mobilizing health professionals as climate advocates
Clean Energy Catalyst of the Year: Doral – Developing Wisconsin’s largest solar project
Member of the Year: Midwest Solar Power – Supporting RENEW Wisconsin and increasing access to clean energy

The ceremony will conclude with the 2023 Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize 13 clean energy projects in Wisconsin that recently commenced operation. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these projects showcase the skills and know-how Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace.

Clean Energy Honor Roll:

Menominee Nation Elder Homes, Menominee Nation
Solar and battery backup installations
Edgerton Retirement Apartments, Edgerton
Solar-powered retirement apartments
Centro, Madison
Solar-powered nonprofit facility
Kwik Charge, Ashland, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, West Salem
DC fast-charging stations at four western Wisconsin locations
Grant County Solar, Potosi
200-megawatt utility-scale solar installation with battery storage
Charter Steel, Saukville
Largest behind-the-meter solar project in Wisconsin
Paris Solar Farm, Kenosha County
200-megawatt utility-scale solar installation
The Sonnentag Events Center and Fieldhouse, Eau Claire
Sustainable multi-use community complex
Dane County Humane Society Flight Pen, Madison
50-kilowatt flight pen for birds of prey
Holiday Ford Building and Collision Center, Fond du Lac
469-kilowatt solar array and EV charging station
Green Bay Area Public School District, Green Bay
Solar generation on schools
Granite Ridge Elementary School, Cottage Grove
Solar generation on schools
Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison
Solar generation on schools
Nicolet High School, Glendale
Solar generation on schools
Badger Hollow Solar Park, Iowa County
300-megawatt utility-scale solar installation

The award ceremonies will be held in two parts, with the first highlighting the individual awards and the second focusing on the Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize both people and projects for their role in the clean energy transition. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these accomplishments highlight the skills and know-how that Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace in the Badger State.

Click here for more information on the 2025 Summit program agenda, speakers, and registration. For press passes, please email Alex Beld (abeld@renewwisconsin.org).

Sustaining Gilda’s Club Madison Through Solar

by Tiana Snyder | Jan 17, 2025 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Monday, January 13, Gilda’s Club Madison invited representatives from RENEW Wisconsin, Couillard Solar Foundation, Only in Wisconsin, Glow Solar, and their members to join in the celebration of a monumental achievement. Gilda’s Club with the help of its supporters installed a solar array that will offset 100% of its electrical usage.

Gilda’s Club was established in 1991 to honor the late comedian, Gilda Radner, with a mission to uplift and strengthen people who are impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. In 2008, Gilda’s Club Madison opened its doors to the Wisconsin community, becoming one of many worldwide affiliates. Over the years, the organization has been a foundational resource for its members in providing free counseling services, social events such as a brunch club, field trips across Dane County, equestrian therapy, and more.

Glow Solar installed a 31.4-kilowatt solar system. John Reinders, President of Glow Solar shared, “At Glow Solar, we love working with non-profits to design and implement renewable energy solutions that fit their individual goals. In the case of Gilda’s Club, we helped them design and install a system that will meet their goals to offset 100% of their annual electric usage, look great on their building, and continue to serve their clients without worrying about escalating energy costs. The grants from Focus on Energy and Solar for Good help make it a great time for non-profits like Gilda’s Club to pursue their renewable energy goals.”

For many, going solar is a viable opportunity to continue helping their members thrive without having to reduce support for their mission. With the availability of direct pay incentives for nonprofits, organizations like Gilda’s Club Madison are able to enhance their sustainability initiatives and focus more funding toward their mission by going solar. In addition to taking advantage of federal and state funding, the solar project also received support from BIOFerm, Only in Wisconsin (the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company), and Solar for Good, a program funded and founded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and managed by RENEW Wisconsin.

In reflecting on the long-term impact solar will have on their community, the CEO of Gilda’s Club Madison, Lannia Stenz shared, “We are thrilled to install solar panels at Gilda’s Club Madison, taking a meaningful step toward sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint! This project is a testament to the power of community—thank you to Solar for Good and everyone who made this possible. Your support not only brightens our future but also ensures that Gilda’s Club can continue offering vital resources to those facing cancer, free of charge, for many years to come.”

Beyond solar serving as a responsible financial decision, it’s also an investment in the health and sustainability of Wisconsin communities. In the case of Gilda’s Club Madison, their decision to go solar contributes to cleaner air by reducing carcinogenic air pollutants and offers a promise to their members that they can continue providing support to families and individuals living with cancer. This celebration serves as an important reminder for Wisconsin that when mission-driven organizations, residents, and businesses collectively make an investment in clean energy, they are also making a direct investment into their communities.

Maple Grove Solar Approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

by RENEW Wisconsin | Jan 16, 2025 | Renewables, Solar

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved the Maple Grove Solar project, a 260-megawatt (MW) project with a 50 MW battery which will be located in Barron County, Wisconsin. Commissioned by ibV Energy Partners, this project will produce enough energy to power more than 30,000 homes.

Along with getting us another step closer to our decarbonization goals, Maple Grove Solar will produce significant economic benefits for the surrounding area. During its construction phase, an estimated 608 jobs — 286 of them being local — will be created. Upon completion, the project will support just under 30 long-term jobs with 18 of them being local. In addition, the county and towns that host this project will receive a $1.3 million boost in new yearly tax revenue.

RENEW Wisconsin staff have advocated for the project since it was proposed. Our policy team provided expert testimony and analysis in support of the project, which helped the PSC reach their decision. While sharing the reasoning behind their decision, PSC Commissioner Kristy Nieto directly referenced RENEW staff testimony.

RENEW’s testimony highlighted the various economic advantages of the project along with the benefits for farmers, expected emissions reductions, and general health.

Projects like this help to keep farms with families thanks to diversified revenue from the land leases
More than 400,000 short tons of carbon emissions will be avoided in the first year of the project’s operation
The reduction of emissions can limit additional strain on the rural healthcare system by reducing pollutant-related illnesses

The construction of Maple Grove Solar is expected to be completed sometime in 2029.

Clean Energy Legislative Update • January 2025

by Beata Wierzba | Jan 8, 2025 | Advocacy, Legislative Watchlist, Local Government

Working with the state legislature is both an art and a science — utilizing expertise and seizing opportunities, as well as continuous relationship-building. With the start of the 2025-26 legislative session, the process is intensified as we welcome new faces and navigate changes. The recent election led to 37 freshmen policymakers for Wisconsin’s legislature, resulting in changes to committee makeup and leadership in the State Assembly and Senate. Here are the highlights.

Senate Leadership

Republicans
Continuing as Majority Leader is Sen. Devin LeMahieu, President Pro Temp is Sen. Patrick Testin, Assistant Majority Leader is Sen. Dan Feyen, and Majority Caucus Chair is Sen. Van Wanggaard.

Changes to the Republican leadership include Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R) as Senate President replacing Sen. Chris Kapenga, and Sen Rachel Cabral-Guevara (R) as Caucus Vice-Chair, replacing Sen. Joan Ballweg who lost her senate re-election.

Democrats
On the Democratic side, continuing in their leadership roles are Minority Leader Sen. Dianne Hesselbein and Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Jeff Smith.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer moved up to the Minority Caucus Chair, replacing Chris Larson, and Sen. Dora Drake became the new Caucus Vice Chair, replacing Sen. Spreitzer.

The Senate makeup now is 18 Republicans – 15 Democrats.

Assembly Leadership

Republicans
Continuing as Speaker is Rep. Robin Vos, Speaker Pro Temp is Rep. Kevin Petersen, and Majority Leader Rep. Tyler August. Caucus leadership continues with Chair Rep. Rob Summerfield, Vice-Chair Rep. Cindi Duchow, Secretary Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, and Sergeant at Arms Rep. Treig Pronschinske.

New to leadership on the Republican side is Rep. Scott Krug (R) as Assistant Majority Leader, replacing retired Rep. Jon Plumer.

Democrats
On the Democratic side, continuing in their Democratic Leadership roles are Minority Leader Rep. Greta Neubauer, Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Kalan Haywood, Caucus Chair Rep. Lisa Subeck, and Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Clinton Anderson.

Changes in Democratic caucus leadership include new Minority Vice Chair Rep. Clinton Anderson, Secretary Rep. Mike Bare, and Sergeant at Arms Rep. Jodi Emerson. They are replacing Reps. Jill Billings, Kristina Shelton (retired), and Lee Snodgrass respectively.

The new Assembly make-up is 54 Republicans – 45 Democrats.

Committees

Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee
The five-member Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee retains Sens. Julian Bradley (R) as chair and Sen. Smith (D). New members are Republican Sens. Feyen, and Jesse James as well as new Senator (former Representative) Melissa Ratcliffe (D).

Assembly Energy & Utilities Committee
The Assembly Energy & Utilities Committee retains Rep. Dave Steffen as Chair, and Republican members Summerfield, Adam Neylon, Shae Sortwell, Paul Tittl, and Travis Tranel with Jerry O’Connor, Calvin Callahan, and Chanz Green joining them.

Returning Democratic members are Subeck and Supreme Moore Omokunde with additions of Rep. Sheila Stubbs and brand-new Rep. Maureen McCarville. The committee has three fewer members now with a total of 13, nine Republicans to four Democrats.

Joint Committee on Finance
The Joint Committee on Finance includes eight Representatives and eight Senators with four of the 16 representing the democratic party. This committee oversees bills with fiscal implications and crafts the state budget. The Co-Chairs remain Sen. Howard Marklein and Rep. Mark Born.

On the Senate Republican side, Sens. Duey Stroebel and Ballweg did not return to the legislature and Sen. Mary Felzkowski left the committee for her Senate President’s role. They were replaced by Sens. Romaine Quinn, Rob Stafsholt, and Bradley. Sen. Bradley also chairs the Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee of interest to us.

The Assembly committee side includes one new member — Rep. Karen Hurd who is replacing retired Rep. Terry Katsma.

More information about various committees and state legislators can be found on the Wisconsin State Legislature’s website https://legis.wisconsin.gov/.

In the upcoming weeks, RENEW staff will be meeting with the freshmen legislators and committee members to start fresh conversations on renewable energy and RENEW’s legislative priorities.

Clean Technology Wins Achieved Among Recent Rate Hike Decisions Made by PSC

by RENEW Wisconsin | Dec 19, 2024 | Policy

At its November 7 open meeting, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) took up rate increase proposals from both WE Energies and WPS utilities. The PSC either authorized or provided minor modifications to the utilities’ proposed plans for future costs, financials, and rate increases. A Wisconsin Public Radio article summarizes the results and reactions to the PSC’s decisions.

RENEW participated as a party in these rate cases and concentrated our efforts on utility policies, programs, and pricing that influence clean energy adoption for its customers. Although the PSC authorized some significant rate increases, it also authorized clean technology improvements that RENEW proposed and supported in these cases.

As it relates to WE Energies, RENEW has been working to eliminate the utility’s requirement to install two meters for its net energy metering customers, a cost-prohibitive requirement for people considering rooftop solar. WE Energies initially proposed allowing single bidirectional metering no sooner than January 1, 2026. RENEW pushed back on this implementation date, requesting a January 1, 2025 implementation date. The PSC ultimately authorized a compromise of June 1, 2025.

For both WE Energies and WPS utilities, RENEW also proposed an increase to the threshold for commercial customers to install larger “behind-the-meter” (BTM) distributed generation (DG), which, in many cases, is rooftop solar. RENEW proposed an increase from the current 1,000 kilowatts (kW) maximum to 5,000 kW, which is in line with other Wisconsin utilities as well as federal guidance. Although the utilities disagreed with RENEW’s proposal, the PSC ultimately agreed with RENEW and required these utilities to increase their commercial BTM offerings up to 5,000 kW by 2025, allowing commercial customers to increase their energy independence through clean energy.

Vote Solar also provided testimony regarding utility-avoided costs in relation to more equitable pricing for these larger commercial DG systems, which RENEW supported. While the PSC did not authorize pricing changes in these rate cases, it agreed to investigate these issues further in separate cases in the future.

We also saw changes with the EV pilot program and the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) smart thermostat program for both WE Energies and WPS utilities. In the Electric Vehicle rate case, RENEW supported several changes to benefit EV owners.

Increasing a bill credit cap for home charging beyond the initial proposal
Allowing customers to own their charging equipment
Utility collaboration on developing a model for a multifamily dwelling EV charging program
Maintaining an EV charging rate of 50 kW to ensure the businesses can access a bill credit

The PSC kept the new home charging bill credit at its initially suggested rate of 400kWh and increased the threshold for businesses to access a bill credit to 150kW, going against our recommendations. The PSC did, however, approve the use of customer-owned charging equipment and the need for utilities to develop a model for EV charging at multifamily dwellings, like apartment buildings.

For the BYOD potion of the rate cases, WE Energies requested that their program be identical to Madison Gas and Electric’s original BYOD program with a participation cap of 7,000 devices (or homes). These programs allow utilities to connect to thermostats and adjust temperatures to lower energy use during periods of high use. These programs help save energy, control costs, and help reduce emissions.

RENEW requested a higher participant cap in the smart thermostat program due to We Energies and WPS’s larger customer base. We also asked for increased collaboration to explore future technologies, an earlier implementation date for these programs, and data reporting on participation and savings. The PSC raised the cap to 64,000 participants for WE Energies and 24,000 for WPS, mandated collaboration with RENEW to explore future technologies and ordered data reporting as requested. The PSC set the implementation date for these programs for January 2026 instead of moving up the deadline to the summer of 2025 as suggested by RENEW.

All in all, RENEW staff were able to achieve some focused and notable victories in these cases! Below is a summary of these clean technology policy improvements that will occur starting in 2025:

Applicable to WE Energies and WPS:

Large BTM DG systems are currently limited to 1,000 kW, but after RENEW’s testimony and recommendations the PSC will increase to 5,000 kW systems
PSC will take up several utility-avoided cost issues in new dockets
PSC authorized new BYOD smart thermostat pilot programs
PSC authorized improvements to both residential and commercial EV charging programs

Specific to WE Energies:

PSC authorized a compromise for bidirectional metering for net energy metering customers, with an implementation date of June 1, 2025.

Help Ensure a Smooth Application Process for Badger Hollow Wind

by Julia Holzschuh | Dec 18, 2024 | Action Alert, Wind

The Badger Hollow Wind Energy project in Iowa and Grant counties, Wisconsin, will generate clean, Wisconsin-made energy to help meet our state’s growing electricity demand. Ensure the approval process for this project starts strong by submitting comments to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC).

In your comments, share why you value clean energy and urge the PSC to include the benefits of Badger Hollow Wind in their environmental impact documents. Share how the 118-megawatt project will significantly reduce emissions for our state, fighting the impacts of climate change while reducing human exposure to harmful emissions.

Wind energy plays a significant role in our clean energy mix and projects like this are necessary to meet our 2050 net-zero emissions goals. Submit your comments to the PSC by the December 19 deadline to help Wisconsin add another clean energy project to the mix!

SUBMIT COMMENTS

Your Advocacy in Action

Thanks to your support, last week the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the Vista Sands solar project at its full size of 1.3 gigawatts. The impact of this decision is difficult to understate, and without you this would not have been possible. Your efforts will result in the removal of more than 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions each year. Every project your support gets us closer to our net-zero goals!

Powering the Future: How Microgrids are Transforming Energy Resilience and Sustainability

by Ben Behlke | Dec 16, 2024 | Microgrids, Renewables

Imagine a smaller, self-sufficient version of our main electricity grid that can power neighborhoods, communities, and even single homes. That’s the basic idea behind a microgrid – a localized energy system designed to produce and use power independently or in tandem with the larger grid.

Microgrids and traditional grids have similar components. Both rely on electricity production and send that energy where it is needed, also known as a load. Both ensure a match between energy production and the amount of energy needed. Microgrids are used for many reasons, including grid independence, security from natural disasters, or simply lowering community energy costs.

Microgrids can utilize some of the best clean technology by incorporating batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal technology, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and smart appliances to increase their efficiency.

Natural Disaster Relief

With the increase in natural disasters, energy security – not just at the national level but also at the local level – has become increasingly important. Microgrids offer energy security during outages.

A great example of microgrid innovation is a partnership between Alliant Energy and the village of Boaz in Richland County. This project demonstrates a simple microgrid, called a community microgrid, that provides energy to the 200 residents during grid power outages. Depending on its size and capacity, the microgrid can serve a community’s emergency response centers, water and wastewater treatment plants, grocery stores, fueling stations, government buildings, shelters, and sometimes the residents’ homes.

The $3 million project in Boaz includes a 400-kilowatt (kW) lithium iron phosphate battery connected to the community’s main distribution line. It supplies enough power for up to eight hours in the event of a grid outage. This setup provides critical power to residents and allows Alliant Energy the necessary time to resolve issues without causing community members to experience a critical loss of energy service.

Critical Infrastructure Support

Uninterruptible power is essential in health care, so reliable and sustainable energy solutions are paramount. Bellin and Gundersen Health Systems – soon to be Emplify—and Xcel Energy have announced a new microgrid project that will create one of the first fully resilient, renewable energy-powered health care campuses in the United States. The project, set to be completed in 2026, offers an example of how complex a microgrid can be.

This microgrid, being built at the Onalaska campus in La Crosse County, is considered a campus microgrid. A campus microgrid serves multiple buildings within a single company or organization. The microgrid will utilize a new battery energy storage system, the campus’s existing rooftop solar, and biogas energy from the La Crosse County landfill. It is expected to manage about 4.5 million kW of power per year, which is about the annual energy use of 411 homes.

This microgrid will allow one of Bellin and Gundersen Health System’s largest campuses to continue operating and providing essential care to the surrounding communities even during a power outage.

Remote Community Energy Supply

Microgrids can also provide critical infrastructure even in the most remote and cold places. The Alaska villages of Shungnak and Kobuk, located within the Arctic Circle, are not connected to the power grid and have relied on three diesel generators for power. Today, they are using a newly constructed hybrid microgrid.

Hybrid microgrids generate power using two or more locally sourced energy sources, such as wind and solar and include a battery for energy storage. These systems can connect to the main grid or operate independently (islanded), providing flexible and reliable power. The microgrid in Shungnak and Kobuk utilizes 233-kW of solar, 384 kilowatt hours (kWh) of battery storage, the three existing diesel generators, and a control system designed and managed by Ageto Energy.

The microgrid has saved these communities and their 450 residents over $200,000 in annual fuel costs while also protecting them from the fluctuations of the diesel market.

Vehicle-to-Grid Mobile Microgrids

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, a new technology known as “vehicle-to-grid” is emerging. This technology allows electric vehicles to serve as mobile power sources for the grid. Originally developed as “vehicle-to-load” to power devices directly, vehicle-to-grid technology extends this capability by enabling electric vehicles to supply electricity back to the grid, effectively turning them into mobile microgrids. A few utilities around the country have started to explore this technology in pilot programs.

Since December 2020, five electric school buses from Lion Electric in White Plains, New York, have been providing power back to the grid when they are not transporting students. This typically occurs during weekends, holidays and summer months, coinciding with peak electrical demand on the grid. With supportive policies and proper charging infrastructure, this same concept could expand to residential owners and commercial fleets, transforming electric vehicles from electricity consumers into valuable contributors to energy resilience.

Conclusion

Microgrids offer communities a way to lower energy costs, supply energy to critical infrastructure, and increase grid resilience. They promote beneficial partnerships between energy providers and the companies and communities they serve. In this way, microgrids offer a glimpse into how clean technology, if implemented properly, can provide cost savings, energy independence, and a healthy environment that can benefit the grid as a whole.

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