Customers First Coalition: Releases community solar issue paper

Contact: Sarah Barry, sbarry@customersfirst.org, 608-286-0784

MADISON, WI—The Customers First Coalition (CFC) announced today the release of the first in a series of educational issue papers focused on power customers and stakeholders involved with electric energy in Wisconsin. The issue paper, Community Solar in Wisconsin: Responding to Power Customers, is the result of a collaboration between CFC member organizations and stakeholders including electric cooperatives, municipal electric utilities, investor owned utilities, and energy issue advocacy groups.

Wisconsin utilities are responding to power customer demands with new programs. The report highlights the growth of utility-scale community solar offerings from energy providers in Wisconsin. Community solar, also known as shared solar and solar gardens, are solar powered energy plants that pool resources from multiple members of a community to provide power and/or financial benefits in return. By the end of 2017, nineteen projects will be operational across the state. The cost of solar continues to decrease and at the same time power customers are demanding innovation and diversification of energy resources.

“Our new issue paper series is an opportunity to use the strength of our broad stakeholder coalition to advance ideas and educate the public and decision makers about this important sector in our economy,” explained Sarah Barry, Executive Director, “during a period of great change in the in our industry, the Customers First Coalition is working to advance a responsible, balanced approach to shaping energy policy in Wisconsin.”

To request a paper copy of the issue paper, please send an email to cfc@customersfirst.org or call (608) 286-0784.