Assembly Bill 493 aims to authorize the establishment of community solar programs in Wisconsin, allowing retail electric customers of investor-owned utilities to subscribe to community solar facilities and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The bill defines "community solar facility" and "subscriber organization," and stipulates that subscribers must be located within the same utility's service territory as the facility. It also sets a limit on the annual value of bill credits that subscribers can receive, ensuring it does not exceed their average annual electric bill. The bill mandates that the Public Service Commission (PSC) create rules for these programs, including interconnection standards and financial responsibility for decommissioning facilities.

Additionally, the bill imposes a total capacity limit of 1,750 megawatts for community solar facilities in the state, with specific apportionment among utilities based on their electric load. It requires municipal approval for building permits related to community solar facilities, subject to zoning ordinances, and subjects these facilities to property taxation, reversing the current exemption for electricity generators. The bill also includes provisions for reporting on the costs and benefits of the community solar programs four years after implementation.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 66.0401(1m)(intro.), 66.0401, 76.28(1)(e)(intro.), 76.28