Community Archives - Page 4 of 9

The Energy Future of Wisconsin is Bright: RENEW Staff Joined President Biden to Celebrate Inflation Reduction Act

by Francisco Sayu | Sep 16, 2022 | Community, Electric Vehicles, Electrification, Events, Solar, Sustainability

With an invitation extended by Governor Tony Evers, RENEW’s Interim Executive Director, Jessica Niekrasz, and Emerging Technology Director, Francisco Sayu, joined President Biden, his cabinet, and lawmakers at the White House on Tuesday, September 13, to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The celebration – including a surprise appearance by James and Kim Taylor – was a stunning reminder of our collective power to accomplish “big things” when we work together. “Today offers proof that the soul of America is vibrant, the future of America is bright, and the promise of America is real,” Biden said during his speech on the South Lawn.

RENEW applauds the Biden administration for signing the IRA – the most significant climate legislation ever passed in the U.S. The IRA includes $369 billion to help families save money on energy, improve quality of life, create stable jobs, and fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions.

RENEW is dedicated to building a stronger, healthier, more vibrant Wisconsin through the advancement of renewable energy. The clean energy investments in the IRA will boost renewable energy and beneficial electrification in Wisconsin, limiting our dependence on imported gas and petroleum. This market transformation is needed to begin transitioning our economy away from fossil fuels that bleed our state’s economy by $14 billion yearly.

Wisconsin Families that take advantage of the clean energy incentives and electric vehicle tax credits in the IRA could save more than $1,000 per year. Here are some of the benefits available to Wisconsin residents:

Up to $14,000 in direct consumer rebates for families to buy heat pumps or other energy-efficient home appliances, saving families at least $350 per year.
30% tax credit to install rooftop solar systems, saving families $9,000 over the system’s life or at least $300 per year.
Up to $7,500 in tax credits for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used electric vehicles, helping families save $950 per year.

The clean energy investments in the IRA support the Governor’s climate goals, as outlined in Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan. These investments will help power homes, businesses, and communities with homegrown renewable energy, improve health outcomes, and create stable jobs for residents of Wisconsin.

RENEW was honored to be at the White House representing the great state of Wisconsin and thanks Governor Tony Evers for this incredible opportunity. Inclusion at this historic celebration is a testament to the incredible work the RENEW team has been doing for over thirty years. We look forward to helping our state take advantage of the opportunities offered by the IRA, and will continue to support access to clean energy for families, businesses, and communities in Wisconsin.

Leveraging Focus on Energy® to Fight Soaring Energy Costs

by Francisco Sayu | Aug 30, 2022 | Community, Electrification, Focus on Energy, Sustainability

Last month, I joined the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin in a virtual discussion about energy costs in the state. I discussed strategies to address rising energy costs during the panel, including energy efficiency and beneficial electrification. The panel focused on real-world actions residents can take to reduce their energy burden. You can watch the webinar replay by clicking on this link. Now, I want to talk about the resources we have to support individual efforts to fight soaring energy costs through energy efficiency. In particular, I want to talk about the Focus on Energy® Program. (Focus).

What do I mean by energy efficiency, and why should you care? Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to produce the same result. For example, a light-emitting diode (LED) lightbulb produces the same amount of light as an incandescent lightbulb using only 15 percent of the energy needed for the incandescent light because LED lights waste less energy in the form of heat. Energy efficiency is important because less energy saves you money on utility bills.

Most homeowners, renters, and businesses in Wisconsin can access resources – such as free Energy Saving Packs – and financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses through the Focus program. Focus is Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable resource program that operates on behalf of 107 utilities. Since 2001 the program has saved Wisconsin residents over $1 billion.

Last spring, the Public Service Commission (PSC) made decisions regarding the overall policies and priorities for the next phase of the Focus program. Wisconsin law requires the PSC to review energy efficiency and renewable energy programs every four years. You can read the minutes of the PSC meeting here.

In summary, the PSC provided the following directions for the next four years (period from 2023 to 2026):

Focus should play a more significant role in cost-effectively reducing carbon emissions. The next four years should serve as a transitional period during which the program continues emphasizing energy savings while progressing toward a transition to a greater emphasis on reducing carbon emissions.
Focus shall not claim savings from fuel switching from unregulated fuels to electricity.
Focus shall use the next four years as a transitional period to position the program to take on a more significant role in promoting beneficial electrification statewide.
Focus shall develop and maintain a menu of options for voluntary utility programs to be shared with participating utilities.
Focus shall maintain its current level of support for utility demand response programs.
The Focus program should continue to offer income-qualified programs and coordinate with the Department of Energy weatherization program to further fill potential gaps in its low-income offerings, including community-based pilot(s) in targeted communities. The Focus Program Administrator shall convene a stakeholder group that includes community-based organizations that work with marginalized communities to address barriers to outreach and participation.

RENEW submitted comments to the PSC supporting the alignment of Focus with emissions reduction goals to lower the state’s dependence on imported fuels and support renewable energy development. You can read RENEWS’s comments on the Focus Quadrennial Planning Process here.

I will write in the future about resources to help you save money through beneficial electrification. Stay tuned!

Alliant Cuts Ribbon on its First Solar Farm

by Michael Vickerman | Aug 29, 2022 | Community, Events, Local Initiatives, Solar, Sustainability

Bear Creek Project Ushers in Gigawatt of Solar Capacity

Alliant Energy’s ambitious solar portfolio debuted on August 22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its 50-megawatt (MW) Bear Creek project near Lone Rock in Richland County. Electricity produced from Bear Creek should equate to the annual consumption of approximately 13,000 residences.

Bear Creek will be followed by 11 more Alliant-owned solar projects totaling more than a gigawatt (1,000 MW), which are expected to go online over the next 18 months. Indeed, Alliant’s Wisconsin affiliate is on a trajectory to source 20% of its electricity from solar power by 2025. All 12 projects were approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC). (See table below for a complete list of Alliant’s solar projects.)

“This project is an incredible milestone for our customers,” said David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin President. “Guided by our purpose-driven strategy to serve customers and build stronger communities, this solar farm diversifies our energy portfolio, boosts American energy independence, and increases access to affordable electricity.”

The Bear Creek project drew praise from several project partners, including the Town of Buena Vista. “This project represents a significant, long-term investment in our community,” said Van Nelson, the town of Buena Vista clerk. “The township appreciated how well they were kept informed of progress throughout the project.”

With the completion of Bear Creek, Buena Vista and Richland County expect to reap a combined $200,000 annually from the state’s shared revenue program over 30 years. The project site covers 456 acres.

Construction of the Bear Creek solar farm began in July 2021. Burns & McDonnell was the lead contractor for the project and engaged operating engineers, carpenters, laborers, and electricians from several local union halls – increasing the positive economic impact and community benefit.

“When businesses partner with the skilled forces of Wisconsin’s unionized building trades, they know they’re going to get a safe, quality product that delivers superior value for everyone,” said Emily Pritzkow, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council. “By prioritizing using local unionized labor on renewable energy projects, Alliant Energy is supporting a strong workforce, keeping project dollars in the community and boosting our state economy.”

At the ribbon-cutting, Alliant officials drew attention to the safety record achieved during construction. According to Cameron Garner, construction project manager at Burns & McDonnell, not a single accident resulting in a loss of labor hours was recorded during the project’s construction. This is a remarkable achievement considering that 120,000 hours of labor were logged in completing the solar farm.

Alliant has scheduled its next ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September at its 150 MW Wood County solar farm near Nekoosa. A third ceremony will likely follow in November at the utility’s North Rock project north of Janesville.

Over the last three years, the PSC has approved 1,850 MW of utility-owned solar generating capacity in Wisconsin. Of that total, nearly 60% of that capacity will serve Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin customers. PSC Commissioner Tyler Huebner joined Alliant officials and other project partners in the ribbon-cutting.

Approved Alliant Energy solar projects Docket Nos. 6680-CE-182 and 6680-CE-183
Project name	Location (county)	Capacity (in MW)	Start date
Albany	Green	50	2023
Bear Creek	Richland	50	8/2022
Beaver Dam	Dodge	50	2023
Cassville	Grant	50	2023
Crawfish River	Jefferson	75	12/2022
Grant County	Grant	200	2024
North Rock	Rock	50	11/2022
Onion River	Sheboygan	150	2023
Paddock	Rock	65	2023
Springfield	Dodge	100	2023
Wautoma	Waushara	99	2023
Wood County	Wood	150	9/2022
Total		1,089

David de Leon, President, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin affiliate

Cameron Garmer, Construction Project Manager, Burns and McDonnell

Left: Michael Greiveldinger, Senior Manager, Regulatory, Alliant Energy; Right: Tyler Huebner, Commissioner, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

RENEW Wisconsin Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act Approved by the House of Representatives

by RENEW Wisconsin | Aug 15, 2022 | Advocacy, Community, Electrification, Policy, Press Release, Renewables

After decades of inaction punctuated by occasional half-measures, Congress has passed monumental legislation committing the nation to pursue a clean energy transformation that will benefit all sectors of American society.

The enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act, which cleared the House of Representatives today, will signal to the rest of the world that the United States is “all in” on decarbonizing the domestic economy while greatly expanding investment and career opportunities in the clean energy arena.

Specifically, this legislation represents a 10-year commitment to scaling up the deployment of clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and electrified heating and cooling systems produced and delivered by U.S. companies.

With its emphasis on strengthening America’s productive capacity and workforce to deliver clean energy to our fellow citizens, this legislation is genuinely an industrial-strength response to the climate emergency enveloping our planet.

We at RENEW look forward to working collaboratively with federal and state agencies, businesses, farmers, local governments, and schools to help deliver the benefits of the clean energy transformation to every Wisconsinite.

The results of our 2022 Board Of Directors election are in!

by Jodi Jean Amble | Jul 21, 2022 | Community, RENEW Wisconsin

Thank you to all members who voted in our 2022 Board of Directors Election. RENEW Wisconsin’s Board of Directors plays an important role in setting the strategic vision for the organization. All dues-supporting members of RENEW Wisconsin were invited to vote in this year’s Board of Directors election.

The results of this year’s election include two incumbent board members, Mike Barnett and Jim Funk, and two newly elected board members, Lauren Reeg and Melissa Warning. All will soon begin a three-year term helping us advance renewable energy in Wisconsin.

MEET OUR NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

LAUREN REEG

RENEW Wisconsin is at the forefront of clean energy policy, and I would be proud to sit on the Board of directors. I have extensive experience with Wisconsin energy policy that could aid RENEW’s efforts.

Having lived in Wisconsin for over a decade, I received my Bachelor’s in engineering and Masters in energy policy from UW-Madison while interning at RENEW for two years. Currently, I work for RMI, a national clean energy non-profit focused on building decarbonization and electrification policy in the Midwest.

I’ll bring my knowledge of federal funding for equitable building retrofits, expertise in technical analysis related to cold climate heat pumps and renewable energy, and a national understanding of building policy efforts. These skills can elevate RENEW’s ability to engage in the buildings sector, which is ~17% of WI’s energy-related emissions. In addition to skills from my current role, I have experience in Wisconsin regulatory dockets and EV analysis and policy.

Finally, I am personally interested in sitting on the Board because I deeply care for RENEW. My internship with RENEW launched my career and cemented my passion for Midwest energy policy. This organization does exemplary advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and education that I would be proud to support.

MELISSA WARNING

I would like to become a Board of Director member at RENEW Wisconsin to help drive clean energy initiatives forward in our state. I am passionate about the impact renewable energy and electrification can and will have. There’s significant work to be done in our state to educate key stakeholders as to why the Badger State needs to continue innovating and investing in a future that is not dependent on fossil fuels.

Our future depends on our actions now, and collectively, we need to strategize what options are available today and how we knock down barriers to help build a stronger, cleaner, more vibrant Wisconsin.

As electrification becomes more prominent as an alternative energy source, we must ensure we have the resources to support those efforts. It’s up to us to push for cleaner, more reliable power for people and businesses across the state. Renewable energy options need to become a larger part of the conversation. Change is difficult but necessary as we move towards a decarbonized, decentralized, and digitized energy future.

I am currently the Sr. Marketing Strategy Manager for EnTech Solutions, a full-solution clean energy company, where I lead the strategic marketing initiatives for the business. I am passionate about brand building by understanding trends and authentically connecting with consumers through education and value creation. I have 12 years of experience in marketing strategy, content development, project management, and social media strategy. Before joining EnTech Solutions, I was with Harley-Davidson and Kimberly-Clark.

I hold a Communications/Public Relations degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. I reside in Oshkosh and enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and traveling.

RENEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Barnett • Madison, WI
Mike Cornell • Hartland, WI
Beth Esser • Madison, WI
Jim Funk • Winneconne, WI
Samara Hamze • Stevens Point, WI
Alicia Leinberger • Viroqua, WI
Mariah Lynne • Albert Lea, MN
Jessica Niekrasz • Chicago, IL
Lauren Reeg • Boulder, CO
Amy Seeboth-Wilson • Platteville, WI
Josh Stolzenberg • Wausau, WI
Eric Udelhofen • Madison, WI
Ken Walz • Madison, WI
Melissa Warning • Oshkosh, WI
Niels Wolter • Madison, WI

Don Wichert (DIRECTOR EMERITUS/Lifetime/Non-voting) • Madison, WI

Thank you for participating in the election and using your voice to help shape RENEW’s future! And thank you to all candidates who offered their expertise and time to help our organization grow and thrive.

RENEW Wisconsin

RENEW Wisconsin holds elections for our Board of Directors every year. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for our next election, please complete the short form linked below. Racial diversity and inclusion are a priority in our organization, and we strongly encourage people of color and other underrepresented groups to join us in advancing renewable energy in Wisconsin.

RENEW Wisconsin Board of Directors Interest Form

Wisconsin could receive $78.65 Million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

by Francisco Sayu | Jul 20, 2022 | Community, Electric Vehicles

See how the state plans to spend these funds.

The Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Plan is Wisconsin’s version of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan – a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) program signed by the Biden administration last year. The NEVI program provides funding to states to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to facilitate access and reliability. The programs must also support the Justice40 Initiative, which states that at least forty percent of federal investments in climate and clean energy infrastructure benefits are distributed to disadvantaged communities.

The Wisconsin Electrification Initiative (WIEV) within the Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is ready to finalize its plan, which outlines how Wisconsin will spend the $78.65 Million of available funding to build, operate and maintain Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in the State. This funding is part of a $7.5 billion package to create a national network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030.

The NEVI funding will be distributed over five years (2022 – 2026). The first round of funding will prioritize the development of EV charging stations every 50 miles along the State’s portions of the Interstate Highway System within one travel mile of the Interstate. The new charging stations must have at least four EV fast charging ports.

The NEVI program also allocates $2.5 billion for discretionary grants to support charging stations along Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and community charging grants. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will provide additional guidance for discretionary grants in Fall 2022.

WisDOT has opened the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Plan for public input. Wisconsin residents are encouraged to send comments and feedback using this link by July 24, 2022.

Wisconsin’s EV infrastructure plan is thorough with a smart methodology to identify potential locations for charging stations. However, RENEW would like to see more emphasis on fulfilling the goals of the Justice40 initiative.

Wisconsin has an incredible opportunity to ensure that all communities can benefit from these federal infrastructure investments. RENEW recommends that the WEVI plan allocate adequate resources for outreach to disadvantaged communities. The plan should apportion a budget to hire community outreach professionals that have access to these communities and the organizations that serve them. Building these partnerships will ensure meaningful community engagement, especially concerning BIPOC, rural, limited English proficiency, and low-income communities.

While EVs have a higher upfront cost than internal combustion vehicles, owners can save a lot on fuel and maintenance costs. Still, it can be easy to discount the benefits or impact of EV charging infrastructure for non-EV owners in disadvantaged communities. However, with car manufacturers committing to electric transportation, including GM pledging to be all-electric by 2035 and Ford by 2030, EV charging infrastructure will soon be vital in all reaches of the state. Bringing a complete representation of voices to the table during the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the WEVI plan will ensure equitable participation and access to the benefits of EV infrastructure.

An investment in EV infrastructure is an investment in Wisconsin’s future, and we encourage everyone to engage in this planning process by sending comments and feedback to WisDOT.

REVIEW THE DRAFT WEVI PLAN

SUBMIT COMMENTS ON THE WEVI PLAN