Focus on Energy
Quadrennial V Planning Process
- The Commission has released a pre-scoping request for public comment seeking input on priority issues for Quadrennium V of Focus on Energy (2027-2030).
- Comments are due Monday, August 11, 2025, at 1:30 PM CT.
- Commission staff will consider the comments received during the comment period when developing the staff memorandum on the proposed scope of Quadrennial Planning Process V (QPP V) – anticipated by early 2026.
- Comments can be filed on the Commission’s website by accessing the link below or mail them to the Public Service Commission with "5-FE-105 Comments" as the first line.
- Visit the link below to view the memo and subscribe to Docket ID: 5-FE-105 to receive email notifications when new documents are filed.
OEI Grant Programs
Rural Energy Startup Program
- The Rural Energy Startup Program (RESP) Round 2, funded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), opened on May 30, 2025.
- The initial application period closed at 1:30 PM CT July 16, 2025. The grant system remains open beyond this date, allowing applicants to submit an application as long as funds remain available. The Commission will make award decisions on grant funding at a future open meeting.
- RESP supports communities taking initial steps to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency.
- To learn more about the RESP program, visit the program website below.
Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates
- The Home Energy Rebate programs (HER), Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and the Home Electrification Appliance Rebates (HEAR), provide rebates to households for energy-saving improvements and other energy-efficient equipment.
- At this time, Wisconsin’s HER programs are operational, and rebate payments are currently being processed as they are received.
- The Multifamily portions of both HOMES and HEAR are now available. This limited offering allows each IRA Registered Contractor a maximum of two building reservations. Projects must have an expected completion date of on or before October 31, 2025.
- Retail purchase opportunities are coming soon, stay tuned for further updates.
- Focus on Energy is continuing to recruit interested contractors to become IRA Registered Contractors. Visit this link below to learn more about registering as an eligible contractor.
- To learn more about the Home Energy Rebate programs, visit the link below.
Funding Opportunities
Request for Proposals: PowerUp Wisconsin Implementation
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WEDC is seeking an Implementer to provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance to WEDC’s grant recipients under PowerUp Wisconsin and workforce development efforts to ensure that PowerUp Wisconsin is successful in meeting its objectives.
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The role of the Implementer will be a support position and will not directly administer financial assistance to solar projects.
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To learn more about the RFP and PowerUp Wisconsin, visit the link below.
Energy News and Research
Advancing Nuclear Energy Innovation in Wisconsin
- On July 2, Governor Tony Evers signed two bills advancing Wisconsin’s nuclear energy innovation.
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The first bill (Act 11) creates a Nuclear Power Summit Board designed to help advance nuclear power and fusion technology and development, and to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership in the nuclear industry by hosting a nuclear power summit in the city of Madison.
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The second bill (Act 12) requires the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to conduct a study of nuclear energy opportunities and potential nuclear power and fusion sites in Wisconsin.
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To read the Governor’s Announcement, visit the link below.
On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill was signed into law that will have a major effect on clean energy tax credits. Some key residential energy efficiency tax credits modified by the bill are:
Ending September 30, 2025:
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The New Clean Vehicle (30D) credit, which helps individuals purchase new electric cars, the Used Clean Vehicle (25E) credit, which helps individuals purchase used electric cars, and the Commercial Clean Vehicle (45W) credit, which helps businesses purchase electric trucks and cars, spurring the commercialization of innovative, clean, efficient electric drivetrains in trucks and other large vehicles, and lowers their total operating costs.
Ending December 31, 2025:
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The Energy Efficient Home Improvement (25C) credit, which helps homeowners make improvements such as installing insulation or highly efficient heating and cooling systems and the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) credit, which helps homeowners cover several residential clean energy property upgrades, including solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and battery storage equipment.
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Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property (30C) credit, which supports the installation of electric chargers.
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The New Energy Efficient Home (45L) credit, which incentivizes builders to construct energy-efficient new houses and apartments.
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The Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction (179D), which incentivizes owners of commercial and large multifamily buildings to make energy efficiency upgrades and provides incentives for the construction of efficient new ones.
Some key investment tax credit (ITC) and production tax credit (PTC) modified by the bill are:
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45Y Clean Electricity PTC, 48E Clean Electricity ITC for wind and solar. Projects must begin construction no more than one year after enactment (by July 4, 2026) or be placed in service by the end of 2027 (December 31, 2027).
For other technologies (e.g. storage, geothermal, hydropower, nuclear), phaseout begins for projects beginning construction in 2034. Emissions target trigger is eliminated.
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Section 48 for geothermal heat pumps, no change. Phased down starts in 2033 and must begin construction before January 1, 2035.
To read more about the bill and the tax credit phase outs or eliminations, visit the link below.
Sun Prairie Sustainability Fair
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Join the city of Sun Prairie at their inaugural Sustainability Fair on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10 AM – 4 PM at Wetmore Park.
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Visit the fair to engage with sustainable vendors, activities, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations on topics including renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles (EVs), zero waste practices, sustainable investing, youth education, land conservancy, native plantings, local agriculture, and more!
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To learn more about Sun Prairie’s inaugural Sustainability Fair, visit the link below.
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