PSC, Gov. Doyle: Governor Doyle Says Unanimous Task Force Recommendations Will Provide Balance to State’s Energy Policy

Contacts:
Linda Barth, Public Service Commission, 608-266-9600
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor,
608-261-2156

Governor Jim Doyle said the recommendations presented today
by his Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Renewables provide a needed
balance in the state’s energy policy. Governor Doyle created the Task Force
by Executive Order last September in light of growing demand for energy in
the state and needed improvements in Wisconsin’s energy infrastructure.

“As we enter a building cycle in the state for electric
infrastructure to meet growing energy demands, it is important to make
energy efficiency and renewable energy sources part of our overall
strategy,” Governor Doyle said. “The Task Force is to be commended for
developing a creative, consensus package to help reduce Wisconsin’s
dependence on out-of-state fossil fuels, save ratepayers money, and protect
the environment.”

Key recommendations from the Task Force include:

* Increase the statewide use of renewable energy by all customers to
10% by 2015
* Increase the State of Wisconsin’s purchases of renewable energy to
20% by 2010
* Improve the state’s Focus on Energy efficiency programs by
increasing the role of the Public Service Commission in setting targets and
funding levels for energy efficiency
* Update and improve the state’s energy building codes
* Create rural energy initiatives like increased use of locally
developed anaerobic digestors and wind generators

Today, the Task Force unanimously approved every
recommendation presented by its four subcommittees. The Governor praised
the group for their practical, consensus approach to increased energy
efficiency and use of renewable resources in Wisconsin. The 25-member Task
Force included representatives from business, labor, consumer, and
environmental groups, and members from the state’s investor-owned utilities,
public-power communities, and rural electric cooperatives. A bipartisan
group of four legislators served on the Task Force, as well.

“I appreciate the hours of work and efforts of all the
members of the Task Force and the hundreds of citizens who participated in
public hearings and provided comments through the website,” Governor Doyle
said. “I also want to thank Task Force Chair Lee Cullen for his leadership
in developing proposals that renew Wisconsin’s commitment to energy
efficiency and renewable energy sources. These recommendations will help
restore Wisconsin as a leader in energy efficiency and use of renewable
energy sources.”

The Task Force plans to issue a final report in September.
The Governor said he plans on reviewing the report and developing a plan to
put the recommendations in place that will likely include regulatory,
administrative and legislative changes. “I look forward to working with the
Task Force members and the Legislature to implement the recommendations,”
Governor Doyle said.