Wisconsin Shops for Renewable Energy
The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) took another step to meet
Governor Jim Doyle’s Energy Independence goals to meet 25 percent of Wisconsin’s energy
needs from renewable energy by 2025.
DOA released a request for proposal (RFP) to purchase renewable energy for Wisconsin state
government. Six state agencies are looking for over 90,000 Megawatt hours of renewable energy
to meet 10 percent of their annual electric needs, 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.
“Encouraging new home-grown renewable energy production is a key to reaching the
Governor’s Energy Independence goals and fighting global warming.”
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 by December
2007 and 20 percent by 2011. “The new law calls on state government to lead by example,”
Ziewacz explained. “The results will be good for the environment and good for the renewable
energy economy.”
The six state agencies purchasing the renewable energy include the Department of
Administration, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Family Services,
Department of Public Instruction, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Board of Regents of
the University of Wisconsin. The request includes providing renewable electricity for the
agencies’ offices, the campuses and facilities across the state.
The state is requesting renewable energy contracts for at least 10 years for a minimum of 90,000
Megawatt hours of renewable energy by the end of 2007 and for up to 180,000 Megawatt hours
to meet the 20 percent goal by 2011. Renewable energy sources include wind power, solar
power, energy from biomass and geothermal technologies.
The state is looking for responses to the request for proposal for renewable energy by June 28,
2007. The request for proposal can be found at http://publicnotices.wi.gov/ .
