FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2018
Contact: Matthew Spencer, 608-266-9600
[email protected]
Madison – Today, the Public Service Commission (PSC) awarded nearly $5 million in Energy Innovation Grants. The overall mission of the Energy Innovation Grant Program is to reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy and transportation technologies, bolster preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and ensure that steps are taken to create comprehensive energy plans for our future here in Wisconsin.
In April, the Commission approved criteria for the Energy Innovation Grant Program. Funding for the grant program originated from revolving loan fund proceeds within the Office of Energy Innovation. The PSC converted the loan program into a grant program that can distribute dollars more efficiently. The life of the program will expire after all funds from the previous loan program have been dispersed. The Commission expects to issue more than $25 million in grants over the life of the program.
“The applications funded today exemplify what this grant program set out to achieve,” Said Commissioner Rich Zipperer. “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 Commission funded a total of 31 grant applications from municipal governments, school districts, and manufacturers. Applicants were to focus on two categories; planning and implementation. Planning grant applications were to cover facility audits, fleet audits, feasibility studies, and comprehensive energy plans. Implementation grant applications were to cover building energy efficiency projects, renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, and associated training and operations.
“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,” said Commissioner Zipperer. “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.”
For more information on the program, and a list of awards, please visit the Office of Energy Innovation’s website.
