MADISON – A bill authored by Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) and Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp) passed the State Assembly.
“Wisconsin has a long commitment in sharing revenue with municipalities. Some of this shared revenue is in the form of payments made in lieu of property taxes, known as utility aid. Utility aid payments are made to help local governments offset the lost property tax revenue.”
began Rodriguez. “Wisconsin is experiencing a surge in energy growth across the state prompting investments in energy storage. Senate Bill 556 will expand the utility aid formula and allow local governments to receive utility aid for these new storage facilities.”
Current utility aid is distributed through various methods; namely the number of megawatts a power plant could generate (nameplate capacity) or a payment made on the net book value of these plants. Utility aid is distributed to local governments housing power plants and other utility property but not energy storage facilities.
“SB 556 adds these new storage facilities to the utility aid formula. By making this addition we are strengthening and preparing our energy grid for our future energy needs while also giving our local governments the financial resources to address their new infrastructure and safety obligations these storage facilities will bring,” continued Rodriguez.
“This bill ensures all energy storage facilities are treated equally and provides local governments with the resources needed to support infrastructure and public safety. This legislation strengthens our communities and prepares Wisconsin to meet our growing energy needs,” concluded Rodriguez.
Senate Bill 556 passed the State Senate unanimously on Wednesday and passed the State Assembly unanimously yesterday. Senate Bill 556 now awaits the Governor’s signature.
