PSC: Increases funding for the energy innovation grant program to $10 million

MADISON – On Thursday, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC or Commission) voted 2-1 to increase the budget for the next round of the state’s Energy Innovation Grant Program to $10 million. Due to the number of applications received during the last grant cycle, the Commission increased the total funding allocated by $3 million. “The Energy Innovation Grant Program is a great opportunity for our local businesses, units of government, and non-profit organizations to further the transition to clean energy in cost-effective and innovative ways,” said PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “I hope the increase in funding encourages many to apply for funding for a variety of activities.”  The Energy Innovation Grants provide funding for energy projects that reduce energy consumption, increase clean energy and transportation technologies, bolster preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and incorporate comprehensive energy planning. During the application evaluation, the Commission will consider, among other factors, the energy savings, additional funds leveraged and economic impact, equitable distribution of projects and benefits, innovation, and improvement of Wisconsin’s energy resiliency. Application instructions for the upcoming grant cycle will be released in mid-October. Interested parties will have until mid-January to apply for funding.  Grants will be available for Wisconsin manufacturers, municipalities, universities, schools, hospitals, and like entities (MUSH Market): cities, villages, towns, counties, K-12 school districts, tribes, municipal water, and wastewater utilities, municipal electric utilities, municipal natural gas utilities, University of Wisconsin System campuses and facilities, Wisconsin Technical College System, public or nonprofit hospitals, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.  The PSC’s Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) will schedule a webinar to assist applicants in the coming weeks. Interested parties are encouraged to subscribe to the PSC Docket 9709-FG-2021 for automatic updates. For more information on the Energy Innovation Grant program, visit the OEI website here.