RENEW is dedicated to increasing access to the benefits of renewable energy for everyone in the Badger State. To accelerate the clean energy transition, we are focusing on the following key policy priorities:
Affirming the legality of third-party financing
Third-party financing is a solution to the barrier of upfront costs associated with renewable energy projects and makes ‘going solar’ an accessible option for low to middle-income homeowners, churches, government agencies, and nonprofits. Legal clarity on third-party financing is essential to expand access to clean energy. Learn more at wisolarcoalition.com.
Implementing fair and clear distributed generation policies
Breweries, farms, manufacturers, solar companies, families, congregations, and others produce clean energy that benefits the electric grid. RENEW is working to ensure that electricity is valued fairly by advocating for improvements on net metering, parallel generation rates, and interconnection rules. If we get these policies right, Wisconsin can reach its clean energy potential.
Expanding Community Solar
Community solar is a simple solution that enables residential, commercial, and large energy customers to shift to renewables and reduce energy bills. Presently, 21 states have policies supporting community solar, but Wisconsin lacks a similar framework. Learn more at wisolarcoalition.com.
Building A Roadmap for Wisconsin’s Zero Carbon Future
RENEW is partnering with Clean Wisconsin and GridLab to conduct a zero-carbon grid study for the PSC’s consideration.
Our analysis will help answer the following questions:
- What is the right mix of renewable resources in-state and out-of-state?
- What is a reasonable balance between utility-scale and distributed solar resources?
- How much transmission capacity is needed to achieve a zero-carbon future?
- What will be the health, jobs, and economic impacts as we make this clean grid transition?
Learn more about Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan HERE.
Rooftop Potential Solar PV Study – Boundless potential…how do we unlock it?
Wisconsin's rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) marketplace is still in its infancy. In 2020, rooftop solar generating capacity was approximately 104 megawatts (MW), representing about 1/3rd of one percent (or 0.333%) of all the electricity produced in our state. However,...
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The PSC’s Zero-Carbon Roadmap: First Steps on a Path to a Clean Grid
In 2019, Governor Evers issued Executive Order #38 to establish a goal for carbon-free electricity in Wisconsin by 2050. As the state regulator of utilities, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is tasked with regulating the number one sector source for greenhouse gas...
read moreMGE Rate Settlement a Big Victory for Residential Customers and Clean Energy
In a stunning policy reversal, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) submitted a proposal to lower monthly charges and raise energy rates for its residential electric customers. Filed on September 3rd, MGE’s rate application is strongly backed by customer groups and clean...
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Growing Focus on Energy Means Growing Wisconsin’s Economy
On June 29, 2021, RENEW Wisconsin hosted a webinar titled “Focus on Energy: Economic Impact in Wisconsin.” Dan York from American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Scott Blankman from Clean Wisconsin, and Maddie Wazowicz from Midwest Energy Efficiency...
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Koshkonong Solar Energy Center needs your support!
The proposed Koshkonong Solar Energy Center would be located in southeast Dane County upstream of the Rock River. The centerpiece would be a 300-megawatt solar power generation facility anticipated to begin producing energy in 2024. Koshkonong Solar will also include...
read moreRENEW’s legisltive focus includes clean energy financing, electric vehicles, community solar, third-party financing, net metering and energy storage.
Clean Energy Legislative Update • December 2023
Though the year is coming to a close, RENEW Wisconsin’s efforts to support electric vehicle (EV) charging and community solar will continue into 2024. RENEW staff recently had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Committee on Utilities and Technology to share...
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • November 2023
RENEW Wisconsin is monitoring several new bills relating to solar and wind project siting, reforms aimed at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and utilities, and a slew of proposals from the Forward on Climate legislative package. We are reviewing these...
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • October 2023
RENEW Wisconsin remains focused on net metering and the two rate cases before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). The comment periods for both cases have closed and we can expect a decision from the PSCW in early November. In the meantime, we are...
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • September 2023
The 2023-24 legislative session in Wisconsin is nearing the halfway point. Much has happened in the last year, and we are hoping to make great strides by the end of the current legislative session. This year's biennial budget bill for 2023-25 had several provisions we...
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Supporters Of Clean Energy And Distributed Generation, It’s Time To Weigh In.
RENEW has assembled a team of experts to develop a comprehensive framework of Distributed Generation (DG) buyback rates as a counter-proposal to utility applications. DG buyback rates determine payments for ALL non-utility-owned electricity generation at the...
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Submit a comment in support of the Northern Prairie Solar project!
Northern Prairie is a 101-megawatt solar project proposed for development in the Town of Cylon in St. Croix County. As designed, Northern Prairie Solar would supply homegrown, affordable, emission-free electricity to power the equivalent of approximately...
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Submit a comment in support of the Saratoga Solar project!
Saratoga Solar is a 150.5-megawatt solar project with a 50 MW battery energy storage system proposed in Wood County, near Wisconsin Rapids. As designed, Saratoga Solar would supply homegrown, affordable, emission-free electricity to power the equivalent of...
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Letters of support needed for third-party financed solar docket
The PSC has opened up a public comment period for Vote Solar’s petition (9300-DR-106). Vote Solar, a national solar advocacy organization, seeks a ruling to affirm the ability of individual customers to access electricity generated on their...
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Supporters Of Clean Energy And Distributed Generation, It’s Time To Weigh In.
RENEW has assembled a team of experts to develop a comprehensive framework of Distributed Generation (DG) buyback rates as a counter-proposal to utility applications. DG buyback rates determine payments for ALL non-utility-owned electricity generation at the...
read more
Join The Conversation About Potential Net Metering Policy Changes
Net metering is a billing policy that enables customers who generate electricity from solar energy to receive a bill credit for the excess energy they add to the grid. This arrangement allows residential and business customers to generate their own electricity, reduce...
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Senate Votes Against Electric Vehicle Charging Legislation
Yesterday, in a unanimous vote of 31-0 (2 not voting), the State Senate voted against concurrence in the Assembly amended version of the EV charging bill, SB 573. The bill aimed to define who can provide EV charging services, how customers will pay for it, and the...
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Solar Solutions for Sugar Creek Lutheran Church
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.
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Solar Ignites Change for First Presbyterian Church
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, First Presbyterian Church hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new 139.86-kilowatt solar array.
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St Vincent de Paul’s Solar-Powered Future
The St. Vincent de Paul 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.
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The Sun Shines on a New School Year
On Sunday, August 25, Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School joined in celebrating the upcoming school year and special addition of its new solar array.
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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Welcomes Congregation to Celebrate New Solar Array
St. Paul’s Lutheran church welcomed hundreds of church members on Sunday, August 18 to celebrate the expansion of its facilities and the addition of a 114.48 kilowatt (kW) DC system on the roof of its new gymnasium.
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