Wisconsin lawmakers pushing for solar bill for farmers

MADISON (WKOW) — A new legislative push is underway to expand community solar projects for Wisconsin farmers.

State Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, is advocating for Assembly Bill 493, a community solar proposal aimed at addressing high utility rates across the state.

Testin cited programs in Minnesota and Illinois, along with Wisconsin having the highest utility costs in the Midwest, as reasons for supporting the bill. He said the legislation would give local governments more input.

“They are smaller developments where we’re not taking valuable agricultural land out of commission for the next 25 to 30 years,” Testin said. “And really, the big thing here is that with community solar projects, it provides for local control. So there is buy-in from local units of government and local elected officials.”

However, Alliant Energy opposes the bill. Spokesperson Zack Hill testified during a December hearing that the proposal would not lower costs for consumers.

“All you have to remember is this: When a company promises you a discount, someone else has to pay for it,” Hill said. “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.”

Testin said he has heard from several constituents frustrated by what they see as a lack of input in energy production decisions. He believes the bill would give them more choice.

“There is a frustration and a point of contention with a lot of individuals back home,” Testin said. “They’re saying, ‘Look, we understand we need more energy production, but we didn’t feel as though we had a say in the process.’”

The bill has not been scheduled for a vote in either the state Senate or Assembly.