PDF: 1,1 MB - Exportinitiative Erneuerbare Energien

achieved, the PSC must indicate why the goal was not achieved and must determine
how it may be achieved.
Qualifying renewables include tidal and wave action, fuel cells using renewable fuels,
solar thermal electric and photovoltaics (PV), wind power, geothermal, hydropower less
than 60 megawatts, and biomass (including landfill gas). Renewable energy generated
outside of Wisconsin is eligible. Electricity generated by hydropower receives special
treatment. Utilities receive credit for the sum of (1) all hydropower purchased in a
reporting year, (2) the average of the amounts of hydropower generated by facilities
owned or operated by the utility for 2001, 2002 and 2003, adjusted to reflect the
permanent removal from service of any of those facilities and adjusted to reflect any
capacity increases from improvements made after January 1, 2004; and (3) the amount
of hydropower generated in the reporting year by facilities owned or operated by the
electric provider that are initially placed in service on or after January 1, 2004.
A Renewable Resource Credit Program has been established, enabling utilities to buy
and sell "renewable resource credits" (RRCs)* from one another for any electricity
generated in excess of the percentage specified for a given year. Credits also may be
used in subsequent years. The Wisconsin PSC was one of principal developers of the
Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) to be used for this purpose.
Green Power Purchasing
Under terms of legislation (SB 459) enacted in March 2006, Wisconsin's Departments of
Administration, Corrections, Health and Family Services, Natural Resources, Public
Instruction, Veterans Affairs, the State Fair Park Board, and the Board of Regents of the
University of Wisconsin System have a goal of purchasing or generating 10% of their
power from renewable energy by December 31, 2007, and 20% by December 31, 2011.
In July 2008 the Governor announced that the state had completed a green electricity
purchase of 92,400 Megawatt-hours (MWh), equivalent to roughly 10% of the annual
electricity consumption of the agencies covered by the mandate.
Eligible resources include tidal and wave power, fuel cells using renewable fuels,
hydropower facilities less than 60 megawatts (MW), solar thermal-electric systems,
photovoltaics (PV), wind, geothermal, biomass, and any other non-conventional energy
resources deemed eligible by the state Public Service Commission.
According to the statute, agencies are not required to generate or purchase electricity
derived from renewables if the generation or purchase of renewables is not technically
feasible or cost-effective.
City of Madison
In 1999, Madison’s Metro Maintenance & Administration Facility began purchasing 25%
of its electricity from Madison Gas & Electric’s wind power program. The additional cost
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