Matthew2.Spencer@Wisconsin.Gov
Madison – Today the Office of Energy Innovation (OEI), within the Public Service Commission (Commission), issued a Request for Proposals for the inaugural round of the Energy Innovation Grant Program. The Commission will be awarding $5 million to grantees in the inaugural round of grants.
In April, the Commission approved criteria for the Energy Innovation Grant Program. Funding for the grant program originated from revolving loan fund proceeds within the Office of Energy Innovation. The Commission converted the loan program into a grant program that can distribute dollars more efficiently. The life of the program will expire after all funds from the previous loan program have been dispersed. The commission expects to issue more than $25 million in grants over the life of the program.
The overall mission of the Energy Innovation Grant Program is to reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy and transportation technologies, bolster preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and ensure that steps are taken to create comprehensive energy plans for our future here in Wisconsin.
“This is a historic new grant program at the Commission. The Energy Innovation Grant Program will allow funding to be awarded to innovative Wisconsinites who will reinforce our energy portfolio with new ideas and fresh perspectives on electricity, natural gas, and water,” said Commission Chairman Lon Roberts. “The program will assist our ongoing plan to add resilience and innovation to the marketplace, and bring new technologies to the forefront of energy generation and conservation.”
Wisconsin manufacturers, municipalities, tribes, and K-12 school districts are encouraged to apply for the new program. Applicants can apply under two categories, planning or implementation. Planning grants will cover facility audits, fleet audits, feasibility studies, and comprehensive energy plans. Implementation grants will cover building energy efficiency projects, renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, and associated training and operations.
“The program’s ability to provide grants, both large and small, to manufacturers, municipalities, tribes and schools across the state will help create jobs in Wisconsin and help expand technological advancements in exciting new marketplaces,” said Chairman Roberts. “Due to the nature of the program, the grants will assist applicants leverage their private dollars with public dollars to maximize investments throughout the state. The Commission looks forward to reviewing these proposals later this year.”
The commission will be awarding $5 million, in Fiscal Year 2019. Applications to receive Energy Innovation Grants are due June 29, 2018. For more information on the program, please visit the OEI website at https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/
