PSC: Report shows Wisconsin electric providers meeting or exceeding renewable energy standards

Contact: Timothy Le Monds or Teresa Smith, (608) 266-9600

MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) today announced that all 118 Wisconsin electric providers have met their renewable portfolio standards (RPS) for 2008, and 112 providers exceeded the requirements for the year, creating excess renewable resource credits that can be banked and used for compliance in future years. Wisconsin utilities are well on their way to meeting the increase in renewable energy that will be required by 2015. 

Our current RPS law requires Wisconsin retail electric providers to produce 10 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by the year 2015.  For the years leading to 2015, Wisconsin utilities are required to report their progress in meeting the renewable milestones to the PSC.  Wisconsin electric providers continue to take steps towards achieving their renewable energy goals.  In 2008, Wisconsin utilities increased the amount of renewable electricity provided by nearly one percent over what was provided in 2007.

“This report is good news for Wisconsin,” said Chairperson Eric Callisto. “We continue to make key additions to our renewable fleet, and not only are Wisconsin’s electric providers producing cleaner energy using more homegrown sources, they have a head start if new renewable energy requirements become law.”

“I want to applaud the utilities for their work at meeting these goals, Said Commissioner Mark Meyer.  “We are well on our way to meeting the 10 percent by 2015 RPS requirements.”

“This report shows we are in good shape to meet existing state RPS obligations,” said Commissioner Lauren Azar. 

Currently, Wisconsin utilities generate nearly 5 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable resources – just under half of the total requirements for the year 2015.  In the past year, the PSC has approved several projects which will significantly increase renewable generation in the state, leading Wisconsin down the path of energy independence. 

Specific renewable energy projects that have been approved by the Commission and are expected to be completed soon include:

*        Crane Creek Wind Farm (99 Megawatts) – owned by Wisconsin Public Service (2009)

*        Bent Tree Wind Farm (200 Megawatts) – owned by Wisconsin Power and Light (expected 2010)

*        Bay Front Biomass Gassifier (20 Megawatts) – owned by Northern States Power-Wisconsin (expected 2012)

Documents associated with this case, including a chart of the 118 electric providers’ reporting data, can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System at http://psc.wi.gov.  Type case number 5-GF-184 into the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.