Looming data centers spur community solar legislation

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – Legislators in Madison say community solar projects could help protect Wisconsin utility customers against future rate hikes. Especially with an influx of data centers expected to increase the demand for power. Senator Patrick Testin represents the 24th Senate District.

“ Obviously we need to have an all of the above approach,” says Testin. “As more and more data centers are being proposed here in the state of Wisconsin, it’s going to obviously have an increased demand on our energy grid.”

Wisconsin is home to at least 47 data centers according to datacentermap and more are under construction with projects in Port Washington and Mount Pleasant. It’s not yet  known how much these data centers will impact utility prices; however, industry professionals theorize the increase in demand for energy coupled with the continuous proposed rate increases from utility companies will drive up prices.

Community Solar Bill

A bill in the state capitol would allow competitive service providers to build smaller scale solar projects. Senate Bill 559 is working through the legislative process. Testin says the legislation would enhance local control.

“ One of the reasons why I decided to sign on this legislation just mostly out of pure frustration from locals who really feel as though they don’t have a say in the process. Because they go before the Public Service Commission and they voice their concerns, but it falls on deaf ears,” says Testin.

Groups like RENEW Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty are for the bill. Those opposed include business and labor groups, along with existing utility groups.

“The argument that this is going to open the door for out-of-state workers to flood the state. It’s not accurate, it’s not true,” explains Testin. “It’s fearmongering and quite frankly, disingenuous.”

He adds it’s a step in the right direction for consumers.

“We obviously face some significant headwinds with the major utilities here in the state, but at the same time, I think we have to be innovative given the fact that we have the highest rates in the Midwest,” says Testin.

Wisconsin electricity rates have exceeded Midwest averages each year for the past two decades, reports Wisconsin Watch.