Wisconsin Public Service Commission awards $5M in Energy Innovation Grants

Published on October 01, 2018 by Kevin Randolph


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The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) recently awarded approximately $5 million in Energy Innovation Grants, which aim to reduce energy consumption, increase renewable energy and transportation technology use, strengthen preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and support the creation of comprehensive energy plans.

“The applications funded today exemplify what this grant program set out to achieve,” Commissioner Rich Zipperer said. “I’m excited to see the tangible benefits that will be reaped by school districts, local governments, and manufacturers around the state in this program’s effort to promote energy efficiency and innovation.”

The PSC funded 31 grant applications from municipal governments, school districts, and manufacturers. Applicants focused on either planning and implementation.

Planning grant applications covered facility audits, fleet audits, feasibility studies, and comprehensive energy plans. Implementation applications covered projects dealing with building energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure as well as training and operations.

The PSC approved criteria for the Energy Innovation Grant Program in April. Funding for the program originated from revolving loan fund proceeds within the Office of Energy Innovation, and the commission converted the loan program to a grant program. The program will expire after all of the funds from the previous loan program have been dispersed. The PSC expects to issue approximately $25 million in grants over the life of the program.

“The inaugural round of the Energy Innovation Grant Program will spur innovation in the marketplace and will assist local governments and manufacturers achieve long-term, energy efficient goals,” Zipperer said. “As we move forward, the Commission will continue to build upon the partnerships we have made with the private sector to ensure Wisconsin implements cost-effective measures of powering our state.”