June 12, 2007
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
The state is looking to dramatically step up its use of renewable energy as it seeks to help Wisconsin meet Gov. Jim Doyle’s goal of having 25 percent of the state’s energy coming from renewables by 2025.
The Department of Administration last week released a request for proposals for six state agencies to purchase more than 90,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy – 10 percent of the agencies’ annual electric needs, which state officials say would be the largest state government purchase of renewable energy in the country.
“The state of Wisconsin will be the largest purchaser of renewable energy in the state, creating a stable market for renewable energy companies to help them get started and become competitive in the energy market,” Office of Energy Independence Director Judy Ziewacz said in statement.
Under the new Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Act (2005 Wisconsin Act 141), the six state agencies must purchase 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass by December 2007 and 20 percent by 2011, which would require up to 180 megawatts.
The six state agencies are the departments of Administration, Corrections, Health and Family Services, Public Instruction, Veterans Affairs and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
The request includes providing renewable electricity for the agencies’ offices, the campuses and facilities across the state.
By Jeff Richgels
11 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/12/state-ups-renewable-energy-ante/