Renewable Energy in the Weatherization Assistance Program TYLER HUEBNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RENEW WISCONSIN

Washington, DC – September 2009

WAP is a Very Special Program Jean Diggs: 34 year veteran of Weatherization Assistance Program at the Dept. of Energy.

Renewable Energy in WAP Statutes (10 CFR 440) Definitions: Renewable Energy includes solar, geothermal, biomass, wind energy Uses: heating, cooling, hot water, electricity Cost-effective: Must have SIR of 1.0 or greater Average Cost: ~$3,500 per unit for renewable measures and ~$7,000 per residential housing unit. Image: Solar Electric installation in Idaho under WAP Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers Grant

DOE “Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers” Grants

Energy Rates a Major Issue for Low- Income Customers 98%  from 1990 to 2012 Inflation: 81%  Rates from U.S. Energy Information Administration

Energy Rates a Major Issue for Low- Income Customers Rates from U.S. Energy Information Administration 98%  from 1990 to 2012 Inflation: 81%  WI: 6 th highest rate increase over that time period Compared to neighbors: Iowa 38% , Minnesota 67% 

Meanwhile.... Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance Price of solar cells dropped 99 percent since 1977.

About RENEW Wisconsin We advocate, educate, and collaborate for Wisconsin renewable energy Our advocacy is mainly through state and utility policies & programs Our work has included: o Focus on Energy incentives for renewables projects o State renewable electricity standard of 10% by 2015 o Wind energy siting rules o Green electricity and “buyback” programs o Intervening in utility rate cases Started in 1991, we are a non-profit organization largely supported by Business Members, Individual Members, annual events, and foundation grants

Renewable Energy for Wisconsin – Looking Forward TYLER HUEBNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RENEW WISCONSIN

Meanwhile.... Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance Price of solar cells dropped 99 percent since 1977.

Is Solar Too Expensive? Do you think these graphs look correct? $0$60,000$120,000 Household Income Solar Installations Number of Citizens

Is Solar Too Expensive? Arizona Public Service Source: Solar Power to the People: The Rise of Rooftop Solar Among the Middle Class. Center for American Progress, October 2013

Is Solar Too Expensive? California Source: Solar Power to the People: The Rise of Rooftop Solar Among the Middle Class. Center for American Progress, October 2013

Is Solar Too Expensive? New Jersey Source: Solar Power to the People: The Rise of Rooftop Solar Among the Middle Class. Center for American Progress, October 2013

WHAT IS GOING ON? Source: Solar Power to the People: The Rise of Rooftop Solar Among the Middle Class. Center for American Progress, October 2013

Customers in these states can “pay as they go” for solar. Customers pay for electricity from solar systems monthly Don’t have to pay up-front Allows tremendous access to solar power and controlling their electricity prices. Wisconsin campaign to allow these financing mechanisms: “Clean Energy Choice” Solar developer company owns, operates, maintains the system

“Clean Energy Choice” Public campaign and support – Join the likes of 103 organizations in support, including: Crawford County Dane County Eau Claire County Iowa County La Crosse County Polk County Rock County Waupaca County

“Clean Energy Choice” – Major Benefits for Nonprofits and Affordable Housing By partnering with for-profit developers, federal tax credits for solar can be harnessed Denver Housing Authority example These types of arrangements were allowed in law in 2009 in Colorado. 387 affordable housing units $10 million of solar 2.5 megawatts of solar Also, schools have done: Denver Public Schools & Boulder Public Schools

Thank You! TYLER HUEBNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RENEW WISCONSIN EXT 1