Community solar legislation aims to reduce costs; faces backlash from energy companies

MADISON (WKOW) — For nearly four hours, state senators spent time Tuesday afternoon discussing a bill that would let communities set up shared solar powered projects for lower energy bills. 

State lawmakers and advocates for and against SB 559 gathered at the Capitol to discuss the pros and cons of the proposed bill. 

The bill would allow customers who get their energy from big energy providers to have the option to sign up for a local community solar organization. 

Customers would then get a reduced electric bill depending on how much energy they subscribe to. 

Authors of the bill say that the solar facilities must pay property taxes, just like normal properties, to have the solar project on their land. 

Lawmakers in favor of the bill say projects like this help Wisconsin farmers use spare land to create renewable energy. 

“These projects would be a lifeline for small family farmers struggling in these unpredictable economic times,” said Sen. Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point). “Wisconsin farmers helped build the foundation of the state, don’t they deserve the chance to benefit from clean energy just like large utility companies?”

Farmers like Duane Hinchley, owner of Hinchley’s Dairy Farm in Cambridge, says the new legislation would allow him to use spare land on his property for renewable energy projects.

It would also allow him to generate extra revenue for his business. 

“We’re transitioning our farm right now. I’m getting closer to my sunsetting years and retirement and I’ve got my daughter, her husband and our granddaughter to look forward to transition and look forward to the farming of the future,” Hinchley said. 

Big electric companies are not on board with the legislation just yet though. 

Alliant Energy spokesperson Zack Hill says the energy company already has a similar solar community program in place. 

He says the bill removes current workforce requirements meant to protect their employees. 

Hill says Alliant Energy hires local Wisconsin union workers for labor, citing that the new legislation could bring in outside competition and workers to build the solar farms. 

He also mentions that the solar project could put billions of dollars on people who are not part of the community solar farm. 

“All you have to remember is this: When a company promises you a discount, someone else has to pay for it. It’s all the other utility customers at two to four times the cost of energy under this bill, again, for the next 25 years,” Hill said. 

If the bill passes the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government, it would move to the full Senate for a vote.