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 a subscriber 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 solar 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, subjecting them to local zoning ordinances. The bill also introduces property taxation for subscriber organizations operating community solar facilities, which contrasts with the current law that exempts electricity generators from property taxes. Overall, the bill seeks to promote renewable energy while ensuring regulatory compliance and local governance.

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