All state utilities meet or exceed RPS target

MADISON, Wisconsin, US, October 23, 2007. All power providers in the state of Wisconsin met their renewable portfolio standard last year, and most are expected to meet their goals for 2010, according to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
                   
A 2005 law requires all retail providers to source 10% of their electricity from renewables by 2015 and to report their progress in meeting milestones to the PSC. The 118 utilities in the state generated 110% of the 2006 requirement and, as a result, have 230,000 renewable energy credits to use in future.

“These reports clearly demonstrate that Wisconsin is on target and has made great progress in meeting the state’s renewable energy goals and becoming energy independent,” says PSC chair Dan Ebert. “I encourage the utilities to continue their efforts and look forward to reviewing more proposed renewable projects in the future.”

Currently, utilities generate 4% of the state’s electricity from renewables, half of the mandate for 2015. While all 118 providers met their mandate for 2006, 49 providers exceeded the requirements and most are well on their way to meeting the goals outlined for 2010.

“I am pleased with the progress Wisconsin utilities have made in increasing the use of renewable energy resources and look forward to new projects coming online,” adds PSC commissioner Mark Meyer. “I am especially proud that Wisconsin has led the Midwest in adopting M-RETS, a renewable energy generation tracking system, which will help all 118 electric providers keep track of their renewable energy credits in complying with Act 141.”

In the past year, the PSC has approved projects which will increase generation of green power in the state, including Forward Wind Energy’s 98 MW windfarm in Fond du Lac County, Blue Sky Green Field 200 MW windfarm in Fond du Lac County and the 98 MW Cedar Ridge windfarm in Fond du Lac County. All are expected to be completed next year.

The Midwest Regional Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) tracks green power generation and involves Wisconsin as well as the states of Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and the province of Manitoba. The tool helps the region to collect data on production and provides a mechanism for monitoring their respective goals, as well as promoting trading credits with neighbouring jurisdictions.
 
Registration is open for power generators, utilities, marketers and qualified reporting entities. APX designed and operates the web-based system.

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