The Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act focuses on three areas: increasing the use of renewable energy in Wisconsin, promoting the development of renewable energy technologies, and strengthening the state’s energy efficiency programs to maximize their benefit.
The bill will require that 10 percent of the state’s electricity be generated by renewable sources by 2015, enough to supply the needs of 850,000 homes each year, and avoid more than 5.5 million tons of greenhouse gases by 2015.
Additionally, by 2011, the state will leverage its buying power to purchase 20 percent of the energy for the six largest state agencies from renewable sources. The new law also requires the state to update building codes to include higher energy efficiency standards, and create special energy standards for state building projects and purchases.
The law also requires Wisconsin utilities to directly support energy efficiency programs, ensuring that $85 million a year is spent to promote energy efficiency. SB 459 also increases funding to local governments for energy efficiency projects, which will also provide relief to property taxpayers.
“This bill takes an important step forward in moving us toward energy independence by encouraging the use of the energy resources we have right here in Wisconsin,” Doyle said. “This will keep more of our energy dollars in our local economies instead of purchasing fuels from outside the state.”
