by Michael Vickerman | Sep 30, 2022 | Community Solar, RENEW Wisconsin, Renewables, Solar
After much internal deliberation, RENEW Wisconsin decided to end its 28-year membership in Customers First! Coalition (CFC). RENEW was a founding member of CFC, an organization whose diverse membership supported a balanced approach to shaping Wisconsin’s energy policy. For many years, RENEW’s participation in CFC yielded positive results in the form of legislation that served to drive utility investments in renewable generation, such as the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. However, as renewable energy technology and economics have advanced, we have had growing differences in various State policies that would allow utility customers to expand their renewable energy options. Because of this, RENEW Wisconsin felt we could no longer support many of the official positions of the CFC, and it was necessary to withdraw as a member.
RENEW sent a letter on September 28 informing CFC Directors of our decision to exit the coalition, listing three of the latest high-priority policy initiatives that RENEW supports and CFC opposes:
- Policies to affirm 3rd party financing of behind-the-meter renewables;
- Expansion of community solar options to serve all Wisconsin customers; and
- Customer-sited solar generation supplying power to commercial electric vehicle charging stations.
In explaining our advocacy for policies that CFC finds objectionable, we pointed to the continuing evolution in technology and economics.
While RENEW acknowledges the many benefits that Wisconsin energy consumers derive from effective utility regulation, it is crucial that our regulatory framework remain responsive to the ongoing evolution in renewable energy technology and economics. Distributed energy resources today can deliver a level of savings and operational flexibility to customers that were considered unthinkable 15 years ago. If Wisconsin is serious about clearing pathways for such beneficial electrification technologies as solar and storage, electric vehicle charging, heat pumps, and community solar, it must update and clarify the utility regulations that presently hinder customers from pursuing those options.
by Heather Allen | Sep 26, 2022 | RENEW Wisconsin
Dear RENEW Wisconsin Members and Supporters,
Since March 2020, I have served as RENEW Wisconsin’s Executive Director. In these last 2.5 years, solar installations multiplied while electric vehicles and building electrification technology became more accessible. Meanwhile, RENEW Wisconsin has grown. We launched the new SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative, expanded our programs, developed a zero-carbon roadmap, deepened our technical expertise, and supported new bipartisan clean energy legislation.
It has been the great joy of my life to serve as RENEW’s Executive Director. Our staff is talented and dedicated. Our supporters’ energy and generosity are unparalleled. It’s an honor to be part of this community. That said, beginning in October, due to personal circumstances, I will step down as Executive Director and start a new role as Advisor. In this new role, I will support RENEW’s operations, policy work, and programs.
RENEW Board Member, Jessica Niekrasz, stepped in as Interim Executive Director in July, and she will stay in this leadership role until the end of the year. I thank her for providing expert guidance and direction to RENEW. RENEW staff and board are true testaments to the strength and tenacity of our organization.
Since 1991, RENEW Wisconsin has been the state’s leading voice for renewable energy. We have grown from a one-person advocacy organization to an expert nine-person team. RENEW membership has grown by over 50% in the past five years alone. Through political obstacles, our team has triumphed in advancing clean energy in Wisconsin. With the passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act, Wisconsin is poised to accelerate clean energy adoption. RENEW is ready to lead this transition.
It is an exciting time for clean energy in Wisconsin. I know that the future of RENEW Wisconsin is exceptionally bright, and I am grateful to be a part of our community. I want to thank you for all your support of RENEW and me since I joined RENEW in 2018.
Sincerely,
Heather Allen
Executive Director
RENEW Wisconsin
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.
by Jodi Jean Amble | Jul 1, 2022 | Electric Vehicles, Events, Local Government, Programs, RENEW Wisconsin, Renewables, Solar, Solar for Good
Last weekend, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) hosted the 31st Annual Energy Fair, bringing people together to learn about sustainability and clean energy, connect with others, and take action toward a sustainable future. The Fair featured workshops, exhibitors, live music, inspiring keynote speakers, family fun, great local food, and more.
RENEW staff presented some compelling workshops and you can download slides from their presentations below.
A Zero-Carbon Grid – How We Get There
Andrew Kell, RENEW Policy Analyst, discussed zero-carbon goals and ongoing planning efforts in Wisconsin. Andrew also discussed a joint study to address policy considerations of this clean energy transition.
Health Benefits of Electric Vehicle Adoption
Christina Zordani, Electric Vehicle Policy Intern at RENEW, discussed a Wisconsin with 100% clean-power electric vehicle adoption. In this workshop, attendees learned how a renewable-powered transportation network would bring significant economic and health benefits to Wisconsin.
Vehicle-to-Grid: Opportunities and Challenges
Francisco Sayu, RENEW Emerging Technology Director, discussed how Vehicle-to-Grid technology unlocks the energy stored in electric vehicles and opens opportunities for energy trading, energy management, and grid resiliency. The workshop delved into two case studies.
Energy Policy and Politics in Wisconsin
Jim Boullion, RENEW Government Affairs Director, reviewed the busiest legislative session for energy-related issues in many years, including solar financing, community solar, and electric vehicle rules.
Small Solar Farms in Wisconsin – Why More Are Needed
Michael Vickerman, RENEW Policy Director, discussed initiatives to expand Wisconsin’s solar marketplace’s middle tier: offsite arrays serving groups of self-selecting customers or whole communities across Wisconsin.
A Clean Energy Toolkit for Local Governments
Sam Dunaiski, RENEW Resources Director, discussed towns, cities, and counties in WI that are building the clean energy economy. By investing in renewables, WI communities are reducing carbon emissions, investing locally, and creating energy independence.
by RENEW Wisconsin | Jun 7, 2022 | Community, Electric Vehicles, RENEW Wisconsin
On Monday, May 30th, RENEW Wisconsin was honored to be able to participate in the Monona (WI) Memorial Day parade. Emerging Technology Director Francisco Sayu and Distributed Resources Director Sam Dunaiski were in attendance with their family members and a few large bags of candy.
The parade offered staff members a chance to get out and meet with members of the community and honor those Americans who gave their lives for their country.
“The parade was a good reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our people and our collective capacity for accomplishing great things,” said Sayu. “A simple – but meaningful – example of our ability to come together to celebrate our progress and envision a bright future – despite our differences.”
Friend of the organization, Geoff Hoffman, owner of Hoffman Manufacturing, offered his custom-redesigned, all-electric DeLorean to use as the RENEW vehicle for the parade. The car was an instant hit with many parade-goers, even before many realized it was an electric vehicle (EV).
“It was great to attend the parade again after a two-year COVID hiatus,” stated Hoffman. “This event is all about honoring the folks that have served and sacrificed for us.”
RENEW staff answered dozens of questions from the public about EVs and how using renewable energy for EV charging could help us achieve deep decarbonization of our transportation sector. More importantly, the parade offered an opportunity for staff to illustrate the benefits of a decarbonized economy for Wisconsinites.
“We need more opportunities to find common ground,” continued Sayu. “I enjoyed seeing so many different families coming together to share this experience.”
RENEW staff had a fantastic time at the parade and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate. We hope we opened a few minds to renewable energy and electric vehicles, and we had a great time doing it!
by Jodi Jean Amble | May 25, 2022 | Community Solar, Events, Geothermal, Local Initiatives, RENEW Wisconsin, Solar
On Sunday, May 22, RENEW Wisconsin, with presenting sponsor, Xcel Energy, hosted the 9th Annual “Ride with RENEW” bike ride fundraiser in Eau Claire, WI. Starting at Carson Park, the 16-mile route featured the Chippewa River State Trail and Lakeshore Trail. Over 20 riders enjoyed a chilly spring day pedaling and learning about the innovative renewable energy installations powering Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
The first stop of the 2022 tour was Solar Forma. Brian Graff showed riders the company’s unique solar designs, including E-cacia trees, their signature product. Solar Forma wants to expand its solar designs to include a solar “wave” carport with electric vehicle charging.
Next, riders visited Xcel Energy’s Sky Park Solar Garden. Julie Thoney and Zeus Stark provided an up-close look at the 1MW community solar garden at Sky Park, and riders also learned about Xcel’s three other Wisconsin community solar gardens. Xcel was the first investor-owned utility in the country to propose a net-zero carbon goal. They’re looking to expand their renewable portfolio in all operating states, including Wisconsin.
The next stop on the ride was Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) Energy Education Center. Adam Wehling and Zeus Stark showed riders a variety of renewable energy generation sources on display, including several solar layouts and multiple small wind turbines, which is the same equipment CVTC uses in their class lessons. Riders also heard from Claire Lindstrom from the Couillard Solar Foundation about their work to make solar more accessible to public schools and mission-based organizations throughout the state. The Couillard Solar Foundation supplied 80 kilowatts of solar panels to CVTC, which provides approximately 40% of the electricity consumed at the Energy Education Center.
The final stop of the 2022 Ride was the home of long-time friend and former board member of RENEW, Ellen Terwilliger. Over the last decade, Ellen and her husband Steve installed four geothermal wells for heating and 15 kilowatts of solar PV, offsetting around 80% of their energy needs. The property also contains electric-vehicle charging, native prairie grasses, and several rain barrels. The Terwilligers even removed and reinstalled a south-facing rooftop to optimize their solar panels!
Our 2022 Ride with RENEW ended back at Carson Park with Toppers pizza and a brief address from Jim McDougall discussing his work to install solar on Eau Claire schools. Thanks to Eau Claire, local Ride leader Jeremy Gragert, and all of our riders, donors, and sponsors. Stay tuned for information on our 2023 Ride!
2022 RIDE WITH RENEW SPONSORS
