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.

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!

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!

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.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has approved the Vista Sands solar project at its full size of 1.3 gigawatts. The impact of this decision is difficult to understate, as this project alone will reduce the carbon emissions of our state’s electric sector by nearly 5 percent. This would mean the removal of 1.7 million short tons of carbon emissions each year by producing enough solar energy to power nearly 250,000 typical Wisconsin homes.

The project also has significant economic benefits and is expected to create about 2,200 jobs during the construction period along with 165 long-term jobs. In all the project is estimated to increase Wisconsin’s long-term economic output by more than $50 million. Local governments within the project area will also benefit from annual utility aid payments of $6.5 million through the course of the project’s life.

RENEW Wisconsin staff and our supporters have advocated for the project since it was proposed by the developer, Doral Renewables, LLC. Our policy team provided expert testimony and analysis in support of the project, which helped the PSC reach their decision to approve it. In their decision on Thursday, December 12, the PSC affirmed the collaborative efforts of the developer as it navigated competing opinions surrounding the project.

The project was at risk of being subjected to half-mile setbacks from the Buena Vista Wildlife Area, which would have significantly reduced its size and put the economics of the project in jeopardy. The request for the setback came out of concern for the greater prairie chicken, a threatened species of bird.

RENEW recognizes the need for balance as we work to meet our decarbonization goals and we agree with the PSC that the Doral provided robust collaboration with the many parties interested in the project and surrounding area. Around 90 percent of the project is located more than half a mile from the wildlife area and the developer has set aside additional habitat for greater prairie chicken populations. The developer also eliminated most of the above-ground transmission in their plan, will install bird diverters on fencing, and will fund the maintenance of existing conservation land.

Now that it’s approved, the project is expected to break ground in the spring of next year with an estimated completion date of December 2028. This project sets a new bar for future solar installations across the state.

November might be my favorite month of the year. I realize I might be alone in this feeling, given the loss of vegetation, warmth, and daylight, but it’s genuinely my favorite time of year. I love November because it’s a time for gearing up for bigger things. It’s prepping for the long, cold months of December, January, and February. It’s prepping for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As a former meteorologist, I always take delight in watching the weather actively turn from fall to winter. In many ways, November is literally the calm before the storm! 

The RENEW team is also gearing up for big things on the horizon. A brand-new state legislature will greet us in 2025, we’re expecting even more renewable energy activity at the Public Service Commission, and we’re prepping for our 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit in February. Thanks to our great staff and members, the Summit has continually grown since 2020, and we expect 2025 to be our biggest -and best- Summit yet!

November is also a time to show thanks and gratitude. A few weeks ago, we launched our Rural Gratitude campaign, to acknowledge the commitment rural Wisconsin communities are making for our energy transition. We often talk about the tangible benefits these projects have for Wisconsin, but we rarely stop to acknowledge our appreciation for the communities that host these projects. Change can be scary for anyone and rural landscapes will most likely experience the most noticeable changes as we transition to clean energy.

There is uncertainty in many parts of our world right now, but it’s important to focus on what we do know and what we can control. Clean energy has enormous momentum, it’s widely popular across political and demographic spectrums, and it’s the right choice for Wisconsin. At RENEW we remain very excited for what’s to come.

Sam Dunaiski
Executive Director

Rick Zimmerman has witnessed dozens of renewable energy projects completed over the course of his career, and in recent years he’s seen about a gigawatt (GW) of solar energy projects in Wisconsin as Alliant Energy’s Manager of Resource Development.

His career in renewables started in the early 2000s and was driven by his knowledge of and appreciation for renewables, as well as a small amount of happenstance. His career path gave him the opportunity to work on projects from Vermont all the way to Hawaii, but lately, he’s been happy to keep his focus on Wisconsin with occasional visits to Minnesota or Iowa.

By staying in one area, he’s able to spend more time with his wife and kids and he’s also found himself with time to work on home projects, such as building out his basement during the COVID-19 pandemic or his latest woodworking project.

“I’m a, I’d say a DIYer,” Zimmerman said. “Working either on the house outside or inside the house.”

As a graduate of UW-Madison’s engineering program and an Eagle Scout, he’s been able to apply his knowledge from school and desire to spend time outdoors not only to home projects but also to his work.

He first got a taste for working on renewables while working at an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, M.A. Mortenson. Not only does the large company work across multiple industries, but it also offered plenty of opportunities to get outside for wind turbine projects

M.A. Mortenson had a department specifically for wind projects, but Zimmerman said, “It was a rather small department, as they didn’t want to do layoffs and then huge hires.”

Instead, to manage the ebb and flow of workload in the industry, they had a core staff that managed the department, and then they would gather workers from different offices for projects.

“And then (for a new project) the call went out to the different offices, said hey we need three engineers from your group, what can you do to loan us those engineers?” Zimmerman said. “I was an engineer on loan.”

Through happenstance, he was available when the call went out and became one of the volunteer engineers who would play a role in building out wind energy in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, the first hotbed of midwest construction.

“This was the first renewables from an energy perspective in the area where I lived and worked that I could be a part of,” Zimmerman said. “That was my first taste, I liked it.”

Though his time at M.A. Mortenson wasn’t solely focused on renewables, he didn’t stray far from the industry. By 2012 he would find himself much more directly involved in the energy world working at Alliant Energy.

He got his start at Alliant in the construction department. After some success in that role, he was promoted to project manager, and thanks to some good timing, he found himself working on wind projects once again.

“I got tapped to help with that wind program,” Zimmerman said. “Partly it was coincidentally luck, a couple of my projects had ended and I had some capacity. I had the wind background already from my EPC world so that obviously fit in really well and then I temporarily joined the development department and we didn’t stop.”

From 2018 to about 2020, Zimmerman oversaw the development of a GW of wind energy installed in Iowa. Once that was completed, Alliant turned its attention to Wisconsin to install an additional GW of clean energy, only this time it was solar.

After successfully implementing a GW of solar over 12 projects, he was promoted from project manager to manager of resource development, overseeing a team of 12.

Regardless of his position, Zimmerman says, “It’s an exciting time to be in the utility industry.”

“For the foreseeable future, everyone is going to need power, and as we’re seeing now, everyone is needing more power,” he said.

From increased need at the residential level to new data centers, Zimmerman said utilities are more regularly being seen as critical infrastructure for the economy to grow.

To meet the demands of the future, Wisconsin will need to continue increasing its clean energy portfolio. To meet our goals, utilities and advocacy groups alike will need to continue working with various communities where these projects are built.

Zimmerman has seen a full spectrum of responses to clean energy projects during his time in the industry. He’s found that particularly in Wisconsin, some love the projects, some hate them, and some even prefer wind turbines over solar panels.

With the variety of challenges faced in Wisconsin, Zimmerman said that at Alliant, “We just thread the needle as best we can. There are pros and cons to every decision we make, we try to make those decisions that give us more pros than cons.”

What it ultimately comes down to is clear and constant communication. Like RENEW, Zimmerman has come across plenty of disinformation on the internet that can be convincing. To learn more about projects and how communities can share their input, Zimmerman recommends going to reliable third-party sources that focus on sharing the facts.

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. We are slowly working to 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wisconsin already has a lot going for it — home of the Packers, world-class cheese, and breathtaking landscapes. But we can make it an even better place to live, work, and play by expanding renewable energy! That’s where you come in.

At RENEW Wisconsin, we’re on a mission to transition our state’s economy to clean energy, but we need more than solar panels and wind turbines. We need a powerful community of supporters backing our cause, which is why we’ve created the Sustainer Program. When you join RENEW as a sustaining member, you’re joining a community of clean energy champions with a shared commitment to a healthier, stronger Wisconsin, powered by clean energy.

Why Become a Sustainer?

Monthly donations give us the power (literally) to plan ahead and scale up our impact. Here’s what we can accomplish with that support:

1. Reliable Energy for Change: We love sun and wind power, but nothing powers our work like consistent support from folks like you. When you become a Sustainer, your monthly donation helps us keep focused on the day-to-day, ensuring our state moves forward with positive clean energy policy and legislation!
2. Energy Equity: Not all Wisconsinites have equal access to clean energy, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Your support can help us change that, making solar power and wind energy accessible to everyone—from Milwaukee to Hayward.
3. Help Us Save Wisconsin’s Natural Beauty: Renewable energy reduces air and water pollution and conserves natural resources. When you support renewable energy, you’re helping protect our landscapes and climate, so future generations can enjoy our state’s natural wonders.

Perks of Becoming a RENEW Sustainer

We know you’re not just in it for the perks, but there are benefits to becoming a sustainer. Here’s what you get when you join RENEW as a sustaining member:

• Exclusive Insider Info: You’ll get regular updates on the latest renewable energy trends in Wisconsin straight from the RENEW team!
• VIP Invites: As a Sustainer, you’ll be the first to know about our upcoming events, whether it’s a behind-the-scenes webinar with energy experts or exclusive happy hours where we talk wind turbines over craft beer.
• Bragging Rights: Have you ever wanted your name immortalized on our website and annual report? Consider it done! You’ll be forever listed as a clean energy champion.
• Feel-Good Vibes: Nothing beats knowing you’re making a direct impact in securing our clean energy future. Being part of the solution is a priceless feeling.

How to Join (It’s Easier Than Installing Solar Panels)

Becoming a Sustainer takes just a few moments of your time. Head to our membership page, pick your monthly donation amount (whether it’s the cost of your daily coffee order or favorite streaming platform), and just like that, you’re part of the clean energy revolution!

We also make it easy for you to adjust or cancel anytime.

Join the Movement Today

Become a Sustainer today and help us build a future where every home, school, and brewery in Wisconsin runs on renewable energy. We can’t do it without you!

Let’s make the future bright, together.

Want to know more about membership with RENEW Wisconsin? Contact our Development Director, Ismaeel Chartier.

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.”

On August 27, the City of Milwaukee and Dane County learned that their Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program applications were approved. This funding will provide $14.9 million to support the installation of 53 new charging sites for the City of Milwaukee and $13.2 million to build 92 new charging sites for Dane County.

This funding is unrelated to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program but complements the NEVI funds that Wisconsin DOT has to install EV charging on major highways. In total, we can expect just shy of 200 chargers across the state thanks to these complementary funding sources.

This grant application process is a great example of collaboration across many disciplines and backgrounds in the energy sector. Local governments, utilities, and clean energy advocates like RENEW Wisconsin all contributed to this effort. It illustrates the invaluable work that can be accomplished when we collaborate on clean energy and technology projects.

While the projects are still in the early stages of development, the aim is to install and support EV charging where it usually wouldn’t occur. These areas will likely be low to moderate-income communities or near multi-family dwellings, specifically those that don’t have access to garage parking. In Dane County, we can also expect to see charging stations installed in suburban and rural areas.

It is wonderful to see communities and local governments step up in big ways in Wisconsin to support equitable and beneficial electrification.

On Sunday, August 25, Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School joined in celebrating the upcoming school year and special addition of its new solar array. Their centennial anniversary marked a new beginning for the congregation in its transition to clean energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Through Solar for Good and an ongoing capital fundraising campaign supported by church members, Blessed Sacrament installed solar that is projected to reduce utility expenses by 12 percent, allowing for financial resources to be further allocated towards ministry, and community service including hunger relief efforts.  

Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School welcomes nearly 300 students annually to provide them with an education that aligns with the pillars of community, study, prayer, and ministry. Its impact extends beyond the students and congregation by servicing the community through hunger relief programs, supporting seniors with home maintenance assistance, and hosting discussions on environmental topics. As part of the congregation’s faith, caring for the planet is ingrained in its mission, education, and ministry. To amplify positive environmental impact and maximize financial resources, Blessed Sacrament initiated efforts to reduce energy consumption by turning to solar. 

In its application for the Solar for Good project, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and School articulated its motivation for installing solar panels. “The Earth is not just an accident of the cosmos but rather a gift of inestimable worth. We are called to respond to this gift by honoring the Earth and caring for it,” said Parish Operations Manager, Donna Roeck.

Through support from the congregation and dedicated team, the church worked with Full Spectrum Solar to install 37 panels on the roof of the school. Of the 37 panels, 18 were donations from Solar for Good. This renewable energy source will directly benefit the congregation and students through a clean energy transition. The church has also inspired congregation members to seek out renewable energy opportunities for their own homes through programs such as MadiSUN and Focus on Energy. 

Karen O’Connor, who was part of this solar panel project, shared, “We are working so that Catholic churches and schools can reap the full benefit of the renewable energy programs. We are grateful to RENEW Wisconsin, Solar for Good, and the Couilliard Solar Foundation for helping churches and schools like ours save money and reduce our environmental impact.”

The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church’s solar installation demonstrates the congregation’s dedication to caring for the planet through environmental stewardship. Going solar is the first major step the parish intends to complete over the next few years, and have plans to increase its facilities’ clean energy impact. Blessed Sacrament’s efforts to conserve energy and educate the community serve as an example of how future organizations can further serve their communities, save money, and contribute to positive environmental change by going solar.