Energy Innovation Grant Program Round 6
- Public comments are now being accepted related to the program design and budget of Round 6 of the Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP).
- Comments must be submitted through the Commission's website. On the Commission's website, click the "File a Comment" button, and then navigate to the docket 9709-FG-2026. Comments must be submitted by Monday, March 9, 2026, at 1:30pm CT.
- Be sure to subscribe to the program docket, 9709-FG-2026, using EZ-subscribe to receive updates on Commission scoping decisions, posting of the application instructions, and future Commission award decisions.
- Program scoping decisions will be made at a future Commission meeting. The Commission meeting may be held in-person and broadcasted virtually through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's Youtube channel. To get more details about the Commission meeting, visit the PSC Event Calendar.
- Visit the link below to view the Memo.
Focus on Energy
- Wisconsin households can get a FREE pack of energy-saving products once per year. Focus on Energy offers multiple energy-saving packs full of a variety of efficient home products for every room and need.
- Beginning in March, new packs will be available which include a: family room pack, kitchen pack, and a build your own pack option.
- With essentials like LED lightbulbs, energy-efficient showerheads, dusk-to-dawn nightlights, and pipe wrap insulation, you can enhance your home's efficiency in any room and save money on energy bills.
- To learn more about the Focus on Energy energy-saving packs and to order one, visit the links below.
Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates
- Wisconsin households have received almost $9 million in rebates for upgrades that improve the efficiency and comfort of their homes and lower their energy bills through the Inflation Reduction Home Energy Rebate (IRA HER) programs.
- IRA HER rebates continue to be available in 2026 under two programs: the Home Efficiency Rebate Program (HOMES) and the HOME Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR).
- The HOMES program offers rebates for upgrades such as insulation and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.
- The HEAR program offers rebates to households installing heat pumps and other efficient electrical equipment. Additional qualified improvements include:
- Insulation and air sealing
- Upgraded electrical panels and wiring
- Heat pump clothes dryers
- Electric ranges and cooktops
- Qualified single family and multifamily projects are eligible for HOMES and HEAR rebates by working with IRA Registered Contractors. HEAR rebates for certain products are also available through purchases at participating retail stores.
- To learn more, to see what may be available for your home, and to find an IRA Registered Contractor or retail store, visit the link below.
Funding Opportunities
Community Climate Action Support Fund
- The Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) is accepting applications for the Community Climate Action Support (CCAS) grant program. This program aims to support community-driven climate and clean energy solutions in Wisconsin. The goal is to build capacity with partner organizations to better meet the needs of the communities they serve and expedite progress on local priorities.
- The OSCE will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 per project. Grants must be completed within 6-12 months of the execution of the grant contract and no later than March 31, 2027.
- Grant applications are due electronically to osce@wisconsin.gov by March 6, 2026, at 5 PM Central Time.
- To learn more and to find the funding guidelines and application template, visit the link below.
Energy News and Research
PSC and UW-Madison Announce Partnership on Nuclear Siting Study
- In his 2026 State of the State address, Governor Tony Evers announced a partnership agreement between the PSC and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to undertake a study exploring nuclear energy opportunities in Wisconsin.
- The partnership will carry out the nuclear power siting study established in 2025 Wisconsin Act 12, and funded by $2 million from the 2025-27 annual budget bill.
- The nuclear power siting study will bolster knowledge and understanding of how Wisconsin’s nuclear energy potential can help meet the state’s growing need for carbon-free energy.
- The Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) recently launched a webpage on “Nuclear Energy” to support stakeholders looking to learn more about this topic.
- The webpage focuses on nuclear energy in the state, overviewing the past and present of the energy source, as well as the basics of nuclear energy and some of new technological developments in the field.
- To learn about partnership and nuclear energy, visit the links below.
OEI Launches Energy Audits Webpage
- The Office of Energy Innovation recently launched its “Energy Audits” technical assistance page to support stakeholders looking to learn more about this topic.
- Audits are an important tool for learning about a building’s energy efficiency and ways to improve it. They show ways to save energy and costs for homeowners, municipalities, businesses, and all building owners.
- Energy Audits are a required step before implementing upgrades under the IRA HER HOMES program.
- The website overviews the basics of an energy audit, residential and commercial audits, incentives and rebates for an audit, and resources to find an auditor.
- To learn about energy audits and to explore available rebates and incentives, visit the link below.
Wisconsin Fusion Energy Coalition Awarded Ignite Wisconsin Grant
- Governor Tony Evers, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced in his State of the State address that four consortiums aimed at supporting and strengthening some of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing startup sectors have received $3.5 million in the first round of Ignite Wisconsin funding from WEDC.
- The Wisconsin Fusion Energy Coalition, led by the 5 Lakes Institute, received $778,000 to establish Wisconsin as a national hub for fusion energy commercialization.
- Consortium members include the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, UW-Madison College of Engineering, UW-Whitewater Fiscal and Economic Research Center, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and Wisconsin Procurement Institute, along with 19 members largely representing industry.
- The coalition will accelerate startup formation, supply chain development, and community outreach. The initiative’s core components include business creation, business creation support, business attraction, outreach, and brand strategy.
- The consortium expects to provide financial support and technical assistance to companies and teams with the funding.
- To learn more about 5 Lakes Institute and the Ignite Wisconsin program and grants, visit the links below.
Learning Opportunities
Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator Accepting Applications
- The Sustainable Business Council is now accepting applications from small and mid-sized businesses to participate in the Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator, a free, six-month cohort program with space for up to ten businesses.
- The Accelerator helps Green Bay businesses strengthen sustainability practices, reduce environmental impacts, and improve long-term resilience.
- The Accelerator guides participants in understanding and improving environmental impacts, building strategic sustainability practices, and implementing nature-based solutions. Participating businesses can expect to receive:
- Expert coaching on strategic priority setting, energy and greenhouse gas management, waste reduction, water stewardship, and biodiversity
- Tools to measure and manage environmental impacts
- Support for planning to implement at least one nature-based solution aligned with the City’s Clean Energy Green Bay and Green Stormwater Infrastructure plans
- Applying businesses are required:
- To have fewer than 500 employees
- Operate within the City of Green Bay (businesses outside city limits may apply, but participants within the city will be prioritized)
- Have decision-making control over facility land use
- Be able to implement Nature Based Solutions (NBS)
- Be ready to engage strategically with sustainability as a value driver
- Six cohort sessions will run from April – June 2026 on a bi-weekly schedule, Fridays from 10 AM - 12 PM, at the Urban Hub in downtown Green Bay.
- Applications are due by Friday, March 27, 2026.
- To learn more about the Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator and to apply, visit the links below.
2026 Wisconsin State KidWind Challenge & Renewable Energy Expo
- The Wisconsin Energy Institute is sponsoring the Wisconsin State KidWind Challenge and a Renewable Energy Expo on Saturday, March 7 at the Discovery Building at UW-Madison. Both events are free to attend and open to the public. Registration is closed for competing teams.
- The KidWind Challenge begins at 9 AM and wraps up at 3 PM. During the KidWind Challenge, teams will:
- Test their turbine or solar device's energy output
- Present in front of a panel of expert judges
- Complete instant challenges that test teamwork and hands-on problem solving
- Hear from college students studying renewable energy and competing in the Collegiate Wind Competition
- Engage with a dozen hands-on science stations related to clean energy and climate
- Explore careers in clean energy
- During the Challenge, there will be a Renewable Energy Expo from 12:00 PM - 2:45 PM where attendees can engage in hands-on science activities. Everyone is welcome and no registration is needed to attend the Expo. There will be interactive science stations to explore related to energy, sustainability, and climate. The Expo offers visitors the chance to:
- Explore ~20 hands-on science activities
- Interact with scientists and learn about their career journeys
- Meet the people who design and build solar and wind farms in Wisconsin
- Build a turbine and test it to see how much energy you can produce in a competition-grade wind tunnel
- Discover the KidWind Challenge and see participants in action
- To learn more about the KidWind Challenge and the Renewable Energy Expo, visit the link below.
|
|
