Wisconsin PSC adopts renewable incentives

Journal Article · Thu Jun 03 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Energy Daily; (United States)

OSTI ID:6839602

Kaplan, D

In the first experiment of its kind in the nation, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will allow utilities to earn an extra profit on renewable energy by granting production credits for wind and solar power and other renewables. The program, which will last through 1998, will allow rate hikes of three-quarters of a cent per kilowatt hour for wind and solar, and one-quarter of a cent for all other renewables, like hydro, wood, waste, landfill gas and tires. Through this mechanism, market barriers plaguing renewable energy can be eliminated. Environmental gains and fuel diversification are in the public interest, so promoting renewable energy is necessary, even if it means rate hikes. But the credits do not apply to pre-existing facilities, because the intent is to encourage new production. However, the credits do apply to renewable fuel burned at current plants, like tires used in a coal boiler. The order does not cover a host of demand side measures, including solar water heating, solar space heating or daylighting, the commission said. As well, hydro projects over 5 megawatts are not covered because larger hydro facilities have an easier relicensing burden than smaller ones. Also, utilities must offer independent power producers the opportunity to share in the incentive.

• OSTI ID: 6839602
• Journal Information: Energy Daily; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Daily; (United States) Vol. 21:105; ISSN 0364-5274; ISSN ENDADJ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation
BIOMASS
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLAR ENERGY
WASTES
WIND POWER