On September 15th, Wisconsin Senator Pat Testin (Republican Stevens Point) and State Representative Scott Krug (Republican Rome) - along with Arch Electric's business development director JD Smith and local landowner and community solar advocate Rick Beyers - proposed a bill to launch a community solar program in Wisconsin.

According to WSAU, this is the third meeting proposed by the bill, but the proposers believe they have a strong alliance to pass the bill this time.

At present, the power to approve or reject most energy projects is held by the State Public Service Commission (PSC). This top-down model deprives voters of control over the development of local communities. Community solar projects return electricity to local municipal authorities and towns, enabling them to control the site selection and approval of solar projects within their jurisdiction.

My voters are tired of these large-scale solar projects covering thousands of acres, and they have no say in them. That's why these projects are small in scale, coupled with local control and supervision, are such an important component of this legislation. Wisconsin residents will directly participate in the approval process for small community solar projects, which can be built on 20 to 30 acres of land, thus preserving land and resources on our family farms, "said Congressman Scott Kruger.

Wisconsin is a net energy importing state and currently ranks among the top in energy costs in the Midwest region. By promoting market competition, community solar energy will expand energy choices, control utility spending, and reduce high energy prices.

Wisconsin used to have the lowest water and electricity bills in the Midwest, but now our electricity bills are approaching the highest levels, making it difficult for households and businesses to afford skyrocketing costs. This legislation aims to directly address the continuously rising energy prices by expanding locally produced cheap electricity supply. Equally important, it ensures that the community itself takes a leading role and plays a crucial role in determining the location and manner of these projects, "said Senator Pat Testing.

Numerous stakeholders from all over Wisconsin have united to support the efforts of Congressman Kruger and Senator Testine to introduce community solar energy in the state. These stakeholders include: Wal Mart Advocate Aurora Health、Organic Valley、RENEW Wisconsin、Associated Builders and Contractors、Land & Liberty Coalition、 Wisconsin Grocery Association, Kohler Faith Technologies、Arch Electric、 Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, and Community Solar Access Alliance.