PSC Approves Muddy Creek Solar Project

PSC Approves Muddy Creek Solar Project

by | May 14, 2026 | Public Service Commission, RENEW Wisconsin, Solar, Utility Scale

On Thursday, May 14, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved Muddy Creek Solar, a 322 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 300 MW battery energy storage system. Developed by Geronimo Power, the project is expected to provide nearly $2 million in annual utility aid payments to local municipalities.

Geronimo Power has also shown its commitment to supporting the community that will host the project by pledging an annual $75,000 donation to local school districts. Through a Charitable Pledge Agreement, the Menomonie Area School District and the Elk Mound Area School District will receive $12,500 and $62,500, respectively, for 20 years after the project begins operations.

In addition to the direct cash benefit to local municipalities, the project is expected to create more than 800 temporary jobs during construction and more than 50 long-term jobs. Also important to consider is the direct payments to landowners who have leased their land for the life of this project.

This project shows that clean energy projects can bolster our local economies, provide our state with the energy it needs, and reduce our carbon emissions from energy generation.

In total, we expect this project to reduce emissions by 954 million pounds of CO2, the equivalent of removing 94,000 gas-powered vehicles from our roads. And that’s just the CO2.

Thanks to the reduction of CO2 and the several other greenhouse gases that fossil fuels would pump into the air we breathe, Wisconsin can expect more than $2 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Muddy Creek Solar’s first year of operations alone.

This solar and battery project will provide many things Wisconsin needs—jobs, reliable energy, consistent income for landowners, more funding for our schools and local governments, and cleaner air. And when the project reaches the end of its life, the land can be returned to its prior use, whether that be agricultural, recreational, or some other purpose.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their support for this much-needed energy project. Together, we can transform how Wisconsin is powered.

PSC Approves WPPI’s Bring Your Own Device Demand Response Program

PSC Approves WPPI’s Bring Your Own Device Demand Response Program

by | May 12, 2026 | Public Service Commission, RENEW Wisconsin

On April 23, 2026, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) unanimously approved the Village of Waunakee’s application to establish a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) demand response program, administered by WPPI Energy on behalf of its member utilities. The decision is a win for Wisconsin customers and a meaningful step forward for demand response across the state’s municipal utility sector.

RENEW Wisconsin submitted public comments in support of the application, and we are excited to see the program move forward.

What the Program Does

The BYOD program allows residential and general service customers to voluntarily enroll their own smart thermostats and receive a one-time enrollment credit of $25 and an annual participation incentive of $25. During summer peak events, WPPI’s platform provider, EnergyHub, will remotely adjust thermostat settings to reduce air conditioning load.

What the PSC Decided

The commission approved the program as a permanent offering rather than a pilot, a distinction that Commissioner Kristy Nieto walked through carefully during the hearing. The logic is straightforward: this program design is not new. MG&E and We Energies have already been running nearly identical programs successfully in Wisconsin, and putting every new adopter of a proven model through a pilot phase does not serve any particular purpose. RENEW made this same point in our comments, and we are glad the commission agreed.

The PSC also added reporting requirements to track program performance and cost-benefit outcomes, and delegated authority to the Division Administrator to approve future identical applications from other WPPI members without requiring full commission review each time.

A Win for Bill Credits

One of the more substantive conversations at the hearing centered on how customers receive their participation incentives. The application proposed offering either a gift card or a bill credit, with the utility choosing at the start of each season.

In our comments, RENEW made the case for bill credits on two levels: the payment format and its recurrence over time.

On format, RENEW offered that a credit on a customer’s utility bill makes the connection between their participation and their energy costs visible in a way a gift card does not. When someone opens their bill and sees a line item tied to a demand response event, it reinforces what the program is doing and what they contributed. A gift card can feel entirely disconnected from the energy of the relationship.

On structure, RENEW recommended that WPPI look beyond the current flat annual payment toward a continuous monthly bill credit as the program matures. A one-time $25 credit is easy to forget by the time the season ends. A credit that shows up month after month keeps the connection alive and creates a natural incentive to stay enrolled on the days the program needs participants most. We are already seeing this approach work: both We Energies’ EV program and Alliant Energy’s demand response program have monthly bill-credit structures that generate strong interest precisely because customers can see and track what they receive.

RENEW also raised a longer-term question about whether a flat $25 annual payment actually reflects what customers are contributing. If a customer reduces their energy use on the hottest, most stressful days of the year when the grid needs it most, that contribution has real value, and the incentive structure should eventually reflect that. Alliant Energy’s residential demand response program offers a useful model. Instead of a flat annual payment, customers earn a credit for every kilowatt-hour they reduce during a peak event, and they receive a follow-up email showing exactly how much they cut and how much they earned. That kind of structure, where your credit reflects what you actually contributed rather than just the fact that you enrolled, is where RENEW would like to see programs like this head over time.

That argument resonated with the commission. Commissioner Hawkins specifically cited RENEW’s comments, noting that the visible connection between a customer’s actions and their bill is what makes a program like this meaningful. The commission required bill credits as the default, with a narrow exception if a utility can demonstrate they are not technically feasible, with a requirement to notify the commission in that event. 

The approved incentive structure maintains the current $25 annual payment for now, which RENEW understands to be a practical starting point for a program that is new to WPPI and its members. The bigger takeaway is that the commission is aligned on the principle that customers should be able to see the value of their participation directly on their bill. 

Step One of Something Larger

RENEW is enthusiastic about this program, however, it is not the ceiling of what is possible. EnergyHub’s platform already supports thermostats, batteries, electric vehicles, and commercial and industrial loads within a single system. WPPI is starting this pilot with a vendor that is already built for where demand response is heading.

In our comments, we encouraged WPPI to treat this program as the foundation for something more ambitious over time: virtual power plant-style programs that aggregate distributed energy resources across a broader customer base, bill credits tied to actual measured demand reduction rather than flat annual payments, and eventually vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-load participation as EV adoption grows in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin has significant untapped demand response potential, and this program is a real step toward unlocking it. We look forward to seeing what WPPI and its member utilities build from here.

PSC Critizes, Modifies, and Approves Alliant Energy Data Center Contract

PSC Critizes, Modifies, and Approves Alliant Energy Data Center Contract

by | May 7, 2026 | Advocacy, Community, Public Service Commission, RENEW Wisconsin

On Thursday, May 7, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Alliant Energy’s contract with Meta regarding their data center in Beaver Dam, but not before criticizing their lack of transparency and significantly modifying the contract. Modifications included safeguards requiring the utility to cover transmission costs and to address the potential for underpayments from the data center.

The PSC was clear today in its decision regarding Alliant Energy’s contract with Meta—Wisconsin utilities must be more transparent about their relationships with data centers and ensure that not a single cent of the costs of powering data centers is passed on to Wisconsin families and small businesses.

“I want it to be clear that whether you’re a large load customer coming in to Wisconsin for the first time or a regulated entity familiar with our process, transparency, and by that I mean actual and real transparency, is a foundational expectation and a necessity,” Commissioner Summer Strand said. “Frankly, transparency is quite often mutually beneficial, and I don’t think it needs to be this difficult, so I was a little disappointed, and initially, it was like pulling teeth here to increase the transparency.”

We are encouraged by the PSC signaling that they want utilities not only to place greater emphasis on transparency, but also to have a Very Large Customer tariff that is the same for each data center in their territory. This makes it easier to ensure that each data center pays the same and that all of them pay their own way in Wisconsin.

Though we would have preferred a rejection of this contract today, there was a clear win. As it should be, the PSC is ensuring it is easy for us to verify that data centers are paying for their own energy and infrastructure.

We also encouraged the PSC to be proactive in urging data centers to invest in clean energy technology, especially emerging or cutting-edge technologies. These new neighbors have the resources to spur growth in the world of renewables, and if they intend to be responsible neighbors, they will help us expand our renewable energy footprint rather than stall our progress in combating climate change.

PSC’s Preliminary Decision: Data Centers Will Cover Their Costs

PSC’s Preliminary Decision: Data Centers Will Cover Their Costs

by | Apr 27, 2026 | Advocacy, Policy, Public Service Commission, RENEW Wisconsin, Renewables

Last Friday, April 24, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) unanimously approved an electricity rate plan for data centers and other “Very Large Customers” (VLC) in We Energies’ service territory. This decision will protect Wisconsinites from shouldering the financial burden of the energy and infrastructure costs associated with data centers.

RENEW Wisconsin submitted comments in support of this decision to protect Wisconsin ratepayers. We also asked the PSC to include considerations such as energy efficiency and renewable energy in their decision-making process. Meaning these corporations with massive financial means should, at the very least, be investing in building and operational efficiency, while also signing contracts with utility-scale solar projects.

We also highlighted the importance of these large corporations sticking to their own sustainability goals and how, through their vast access to capital, they could incorporate emerging or cutting-edge renewable energy resources to mitigate their contributions to climate change.

As our Policy Director, Andrew Kell, said in his comments to the PSC, “Data centers have adequate resources to become key innovators and provide the ‘technology push’ and ‘demand pull’ required for these programs, technologies, and infrastructure to scale up and flourish.”

While we don’t have guarantees that data centers will lead the charge on innovation as it relates to renewables, we do at least have a strong indication that the PSC will continue to protect ratepayers in future proceedings related to data centers.

“The decisions we’re making here today will not be limited to this docket,” said PSC Commissioner Kristy Nieto. “They will shape future proceedings, future investments, and the trajectory of the utility system itself.”

The PSC also determined that the energy demand threshold for a VLC to qualify for this rate structure should be reduced from 500 megawatts (MW) to 100 MW, the level at which new energy generation projects typically require PSC approval. The PSC also made it mandatory for eligible VLCs to subscribe.

VLCs will also need to fund and subscribe to portions of multiple new power generation projects, or entire projects, as they will be the driver of much of the state’s new energy demand.

We are still waiting for the final written order for this decision, but we are glad that PSC’s preliminary decisions align with what many public comments submitted stated, which is that data centers must pay the full costs of the energy and infrastructure they require.

As data center development progresses, RENEW aims to collaborate with data centers and strongly encourage them to drive and fully pay for cutting-edge clean energy resources. If data centers do in fact strive to incorporate into communities, they should help to ensure that we can create a sustainable, zero-carbon future.

PSC Approves Rate Case Settlement with Alliant

PSC Approves Rate Case Settlement with Alliant

by | Nov 11, 2025 | Public Service Commission, RENEW Wisconsin, Utilities

Earlier this year, Alliant Energy, Xcel Energy, and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) filed applications for electric rate increases with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). The rate applications included other changes to utility programs and options like electric vehicle programs, language modifications to rooftop solar programs, changes to Time-of-Use (TOU) programs, and more. The changes proposed by utilities for clean energy programs caused RENEW to request and receive party status to participate in these three rate cases.

RENEW and all other parties to these cases were involved in negotiations with Alliant and MGE. Separately, both utilities were able to reach settlement agreements with all parties in their cases, and subsequently Alliant and MGE asked the PSC to approve the settlements. The settlements, as negotiated by all parties in these cases, would reduce the size of the rate hikes, improve support for customer programs, and improve access to clean energy options.

On November 6, 2025, the three Commissioners at the PSC verbally took up the proposed Alliant rate case settlement, and authorized the full agreement with no modifications. A decision on the MGE case is expected later this November.

RENEW and other parties who regularly intervene in these cases often take the opportunity to discuss contested issues with utility representatives, and work towards compromise where possible. The PSC has a long history of approving most utility proposals, so these settlement opportunities are essential for organizations, like RENEW, to have a seat at the table and directly influence the decision-making process. For RENEW, these opportunities allow us to prioritize policy issues, create new customer options, collaborate on future changes, and have a hand in final design of utility-proposed modifications to ensure clean energy options will remain technically and economically viable.

Alliant Settlement Points

Compromise on the Increase to residential customer charges:

  • Alliant agreed to reduce the increase to residential customer charges as it originally proposed. Alliant originally proposed increases from $15 to $20 in 2026. The settlement reduces the proposed increase, which will increase the customer charge to $16 in 2026 and to $17 in 2027.

Collaboration on Electric Vehicle (EV) Programs:

  • After removing some options for residential EV programs, Alliant agreed to have at least six meetings over the course of 2026 and 2027, with RENEW and interested parties, to discuss the implementation of an EV Program. The objective of these meetings will be to review program participation and performance, and EV program interaction with other Alliant programs, such as the Time of Use (TOU) and residential Distributed Resource (DR) programs.
  • EV Residential Program: Alliant Energy will launch a new residential EV program offering a $500 rebate for Level 2 chargers purchased through its online marketplace. Per the settlement agreement, RENEW can collaborate with Alliant to add additional charger models commonly used by installers if they are not currently listed.
  • EV Fleet Program: Alliant will also launch a fleet advisory program with 20 participating businesses and nonprofits. The program helps organizations assess whether transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles makes financial sense and provides guidance on next steps toward electrification.

Collaboration on TOU Outreach Initiative: 

  • Alliant agreed to draft a Time of Use (TOU) branding, marketing, and outreach plan by March 15, 2026, and meet with RENEW and interested parties at least twice during 2026 to consider plan revisions and implementation details.
  • As part of its broader branding, marketing, and outreach plan, Alliant agreed to consider rewards, incentives, or other ways to incentivize those who join the TOU program efforts alongside its new residential Demand Response (DR) program (see details below).
  • Alliant agreed to improve the quality of residential data access, including quick integration into Alliant online tools for residential customers, with spreadsheet downloads that will easily integrate into customer analytical tools. Improved online tools and residential customer options will be available by June 1, 2026.
  • Alliant agreed to have at least two meetings with RENEW and interested parties during 2026 related to improving Alliant’s online platform that supports TOU customers.

Collaboration on Residential DR Program:

  • To support its new program, Alliant agrees to draft a residential DR program branding, marketing, and outreach plan by March 15, 2026, and meet with RENEW and interested parties at least twice during 2026 to consider revisions and implementation details.
  • Beyond PSC reporting, Alliant agreed to provide event reporting on its website, with details on when events are called and customer savings that occurred due to Alliant’s DR program.

Collaboration on PSC 119 Interconnection Issues:

  • Alliant agrees to joint meetings with RENEW and solar installer members at least twice in 2025, along with an additional two meetings in 2026. The purpose of these meetings will be to identify issues that are adding costs and time to solar interconnections in Alliant’s Wisconsin territory, discuss compromises and potential solutions, and discuss agreements that resolve these issues.
PSC Approves New Multifamily Metering Rules

PSC Approves New Multifamily Metering Rules

by | Nov 6, 2025 | Electrification, Public Service Commission, RENEW Wisconsin

On December 1, 2025, new rules from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) will take effect, modernizing how electricity is metered in multifamily housing and mobile home parks. This update represents a major win for clean energy and affordable housing advocates as well as for developers across the state.

RENEW Wisconsin, Clean Wisconsin, Elevate, Dane County, the City of Madison, the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and many other advocates and developers submitted comments supporting the change. Together, these groups urged the PSC to update outdated language to make it easier to design affordable, energy-efficient, and renewable-ready multi-family housing.

The rule, originally adopted in 1980 to comply with the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978, had not been substantially revised since 2002. It was intended to promote energy conservation by requiring every dwelling in a multi-unit building or mobile home park to have its own electric meter. While well-intentioned, the rule eventually outgrew the technology of its time. It began to restrict new energy-saving methods such as shared solar, geothermal heating, and high-efficiency heat pumps.

The updated PSC 113.0803 rule now establishes clear standards for when individual meters are not required. Multifamily or mobile home park projects can qualify if:

  • High-efficiency equipment: Tenant-controlled systems meet Focus on Energy or federal efficiency standards, and projected energy use per unit is less than half the statewide average, factoring in onsite renewables.
  • High-efficiency design: Newly constructed buildings meeting advanced performance standards through programs like Focus on Energy automatically qualify.
  • Affordable housing participation: Buildings under contract with local, state, or federal affordable housing programs are eligible.

This rule change will open new opportunities for solar, geothermal, and other clean energy technologies, reduce administrative delays, support affordable housing, and expand Wisconsin’s pathway toward clean economic growth. This change opens up new avenues in our all-of-the-above approach to deploying renewables and ensures everyone in the state can benefit from clean, reliable energy.