Interconnection Standards 

Wisconsin's interconnection standards, PSC 119 Rules for Interconnecting Distributed Generation Facilities (PDF 46 KB), became effective Feb. 1, 2004, upon publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register. These standards were adopted by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to establish uniform standards for the interconnection of small generators with utility distribution systems. A combination of improved technological performance and growing customer interest in distributed generation systems created the impetus to revise the state's 22-year-old interconnection rules. The new rules apply to all public utilities and govern new DG systems up to 15 MW operating in parallel with electric utilities.

Renewable Portfolio Standard  

Wisconsin is the first state to have a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in advance of retail competition in October 27, 1999. Fuel cells that use renewable fuels, tidal or wave action, solar thermal electric and photovoltaics, wind power, geothermal electric, biomass and hydropower (less than 60 MW) are all eligible. The schedule of the percentage of renewables required and compliance dates are as follows:  

0.5% by 12/31/2001  
0.85% by 12/31/2003  
1.2% by 12/31/2005  
1.55% by 12/31/2007  
1.9% by 12/31/2009  
2.2% by 12/31/2011  

A credit trading program has been established, enabling electric service providers to sell to other electric providers renewable credits (RECs) for any renewable energy in excess of the percentage specified for a given year. Credits also may be used in subsequent years. The credit trading system is administered by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC); the rules are stated in Chapter 118 of the Wisconsin PSC’s Administrative Code. Violation of the RPS or misleading certification of renewable resources can result in penalties of up to $500,000. For more information contact Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

Public Benefits Fund

In October 1999 Wisconsin became the second state to establish a public benefits fund without deregulating its electric utility industry. Wisconsin's public benefits fund supports grants for low-income programs, energy efficiency services and renewable-energy projects.  
 
Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), the fund encompasses two distinct delivery areas: the Focus on Energy program and the Home Energy Assistance program. These programs are supported by: (1) funds that investor-owned utilities collect through rates established by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to pay for public benefits programs; (2) a fee added to electric bills that participating utilities collect and remit to the state; (3) funds contributed by participating municipal utilities and electric cooperatives; (4) federal funds for low-income energy assistance and weatherization programs; and (5) voluntary contributions.

In FY03, Wisconsin's public benefits fund received $97.7 million in ratepayer funds, voluntary contributions and interest earned. Of this total, $54.7 million was collected for the energy efficiency programs, and $43 million was collected for home energy assistance programs. Funding for renewable energy is set by statute at 4.5% of annual public benefits energy efficiency revenue. Focus on Energy offers funding for renewables in the form of grants, rebates and loans.  

The renewables program will focus on commercial wind in rural areas and five other technologies. Grant levels for renewables have been reduced as a result of budget cuts, and utilities and customers have been asked to contribute at higher levels until full funding is restored in the 2005-07 biennium. For more information contact the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Focus on Energy - Grant Programs

Focus on Energy offers several grant programs to support the development of renewable energy. Grant recipients and projects must be located in a participating utility service territory. Projects should be completed within one year. Collaboration or partnerships with non-eligible entities are allowed, but the grant must be paid to an eligible entity. Grants can support off-grid renewable energy systems. They offer grants for Business & Marketing, Feasibility Studies, and Implementation. Biomass and wind systems are eligible for grants of up to 35% of project costs, with a maximum grant of $45,000. The amount is based on an estimate of the annual number of kWh generated, or thermal energy saved or utilized. For more information contact Focus on Energy.

Focus on Energy - Loan Program

Focus on Energy offers low-interest loans to finance renewable energy projects on existing owner-occupied single-family and duplex homes. Eligible technologies include PV, solar water heat and wind. Homeowners can borrow $2,500-$20,000 at an interest rate of 1.99%. Loan terms vary from three to 10 years. Systems must be installed by a participating contractor. For more information contact Focus on Energy (Public Assistance division).

Focus on Energy - Cash-Back Reward

Focus on Energy offers Cash-Back Rewards for installing or expanding renewable energy systems on businesses and homes. Payments are based on an estimate of the amount of electricity or therms produced annually. Projects include wind, PV, solar hot water and solar space heating. The following maximum incentives and system capacities apply:  
 
Non-Residential Wind energy systems (20 kW or less): 25% of project cost or $35,000   

Residential Wind energy systems (20 kW or less): 25% of project cost or $35,000  

For more information on these programs check out the program web site for residential systems and business systems. You can also check out the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation.

Solar and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption

In Wisconsin, any value added by a solar or wind energy system is exempted from general property taxes. A wind energy system is defined as "equipment which converts and then transfers or stores energy from the wind into usable forms of energy, but does not include equipment or components that would be present as part of a conventional energy system." For more information contact Wisconsin Department of Administration.

The US Department of Energy has produced wind resource maps for each state. The map for Wisconsin can be found here. You may also find the definitions of Wind Power Classes for the maps helpful.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network has also collected wind resource data for Wisconsin.

You may also find useful information at the web site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The American Wind Energy Association provides a list of wind turbine manufacturers
For a list of wind turbine installers in your area, please contact the manufacturers.

Focus on Energy supports a Wind Maps and Data center, which has multiple resources for small wind.

Source Guides offer a list of renewable energy companies in each state. To see companies in Wisconsin, visit their website.

Utility Contacts

For more information on Wisconsin Utilities, visit Wisconsin.gov.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network maintains a list of state contacts.

Renew Wisconsin

Promotes clean energy strategies — conservation and energy effciency, renewable energy, and low-emission distributed generation — for powering the state's economy in an environmentally sound manner. The Web site provides information about wind farms in Wisconsin, green power, distributed resources, and renewable policy.

The Plains Organization for Wind Energy Resources (POWER)

POWER is a group of individuals and organizations from the central and northern Great Plains interested in the use of wind energy for the production of electricity. Wisconsin is currently included in the POWER region. The collaborative is the result of efforts by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) with support from the U.S. Department of Energy. For more information, visit the POWER website.

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