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WI Public Benefits Fund |
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| Type of Incentive |
Grant |
| Eligible States |
WI
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| Eligible Technology |
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| Eligible Fuel |
Biogas, Biomass |
| Eligible Project Size |
All (MW) |
| Number of Awards |
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| Size of Award |
Wisconsin's public benefits fund (PBF), was first established in 1999 by Act 9. The fund is intended to support energy efficiency and renewable energy, and energy assistance for low-income residents. The first PBF legislation requires utilities to secure funds through a public benefits fee that is collected directly from customers and through mandatory utility contributions, which utilities recover from customers in rates. The fee generates $16 million annually, while the charge produces $46 million annually in funding. Also, the state's five major investor-owned utilities are in charge of and fund several related renewable and energy efficiency programs. Solar water heat, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, and anaerobic digestion projects are all eligible to receive funding from the PBF. |
| Start Date |
10/27/1999 |
| End Date |
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| Minimum Efficiency(%) |
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| Additional Information |
The PBF was altered in March 2006 by SB 459, Act 141. This bill, which will mostly take effect July 1, 2007, will replace the PBF program with utility created and funded programs. Act 141 will require each electric utility and natural-gas utility to spend 1.2% of its annual gross operating revenue on energy efficiency and renewable projects. Utilities can recover these costs through their rates. The state's investor-owned utilities must participate in the PBF. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives have the option of participating in the state PBF or operating their own "commitment to community" programs, which are similar to Focus on Energy. The Department of Administration contracts with the PBF administrator, the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), which subcontracts with members of the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Network (WREN) to implement programs. Combined these entities comprise the Focus on Energy Initiative. Focus on Energy provides information, financial and technical assistance for energy efficiency and renewable projects. |
| Web Site |
http://www.focusonenergy.com/  |
| Primary Contact |
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