AB 844 allows cities, counties, villages, and towns to adopt stricter energy efficiency standards for new buildings than the state's baseline code, provided they follow a state-developed "stretch energy code." Local governments can choose to implement either residential or commercial components of this code, which must exceed current state minimums. The state must create the stretch energy code by December 2026 through a working group including energy experts, climate nonprofits, and municipalities with climate plans. This directly affects local building regulations without changing the state's baseline requirements.
SB 869 increases the required funding for energy efficiency programs from 1.2% to 2.4% of energy utilities' annual operating revenues. It explicitly includes residential energy storage systems (like home battery systems) within eligible energy efficiency programs. The bill defines "energy storage system" as commercially available technology for storing energy, such as batteries. This change directly affects energy utilities, requiring them to allocate more funds toward programs that support residential energy storage adoption. The policy change focuses on expanding access to energy storage solutions for home customers through utility-funded programs.
SB 876 creates a new green jobs training program funded with $1.5 million annually for grants to public or private organizations. These grants support training for workers in clean energy sectors like solar, wind, and renewable resource management, with organizations required to provide matching funds. The bill exempts the program from standard emergency rule procedures, allowing faster implementation, and mandates annual reports tracking participants, job placements, and wage changes. It directly affects workforce development organizations, unemployed/underemployed workers, and employers in emerging green industries. The program is administered by the Department of Workforce Development, with reporting requirements detailing outcomes like job placements and wage increases.
AB 901 establishes rules for net metering of rooftop solar energy systems in Wisconsin. It directly affects homeowners and businesses with solar installations by setting capacity limits (30 kW for residential, 500 kW for commercial) and requiring advanced metering for grid interconnection. The bill mandates that electric providers credit customers 100% of the retail electricity rate for excess power sent to the grid, with credits expiring March 31 annually and transferring to new property owners upon sale. It also allows providers to reduce credits to 90% if solar adoption exceeds 10% in their service area, while maintaining minimum billing standards for solar customers.
SB 895 creates a new funding mechanism for Wisconsin's battery collection and recycling program by directing existing fees collected from battery sales (under section 287.175 (3) (b)) to the environmental fund. This bill specifically allocates those moneys to support the program's operations, directly affecting the state's battery recycling efforts and the environmental fund. The law requires that the program be implemented using these redirected fees, without creating new taxes or fees. The bill's effectiveness depends on either Assembly Bill 713 or Senate Bill 702 being enacted during the 2025-26 legislative session.
AB 868 requires Wisconsin's energy utility programs to dedicate at least 25% of annual energy efficiency funding toward initiatives specifically serving low-income households. The bill defines "low-income household" using an existing state definition and mandates programs that reduce energy costs and improve efficiency for these households. It also requires the Public Service Commission to evaluate these programs every four years, setting goals to prioritize reducing energy burdens and environmental impacts for low-income residents. The law directly affects low-income households by ensuring their energy needs are addressed through utility-funded programs.
SB 858 creates a program allowing public utilities to finance energy improvements (like solar panels or insulation) at residential properties. Utilities would recover these costs over time by adding a periodic surcharge to customers' monthly utility bills for that specific home. The Public Service Commission must develop rules to implement this program. This directly affects homeowners who participate in the program and the utilities offering it, with no upfront costs required from residents.
SB 863 creates a new $10 million annual grant program for Wisconsin school districts to fund energy efficiency projects in school buildings, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill specifically directs the Department of Public Instruction to award these grants, with priority given to projects upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. School districts seeking to reduce energy costs and improve building efficiency directly benefit from this funding. The program includes authority for the department to develop implementing rules and is funded at $10 million for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
SB 878 creates a new grant program to fund planning for regional biodigesters, which convert organic waste into renewable energy. It allocates $250,000 annually from the environmental fund for planning grants, specifically for establishing these facilities. The Department of Agriculture would administer the grants and develop rules for the program. This bill directly affects entities seeking to develop regional biodigester infrastructure, providing funding for initial planning stages. The legislation focuses on creating a structured process for grant distribution without specifying recipient eligibility.
AB 987 amends a state statute to update the purpose statement that local governments must follow when creating zoning regulations. The bill adds specific goals including promoting solar/wind energy access, protecting groundwater, encouraging diverse housing types, advancing "complete streets" for all users, and preserving burial sites. These changes require cities to consider these factors when developing zoning rules that affect land use, housing, transportation, and environmental protection. The bill directly impacts local zoning authorities and the communities they serve by shaping how land development is regulated.
