Assembly Bill 869 proposes significant changes to the Focus on Energy program, which is responsible for funding statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource initiatives in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities increase their funding contribution from 1.2 percent to 2.4 percent of their annual operating revenues derived from retail sales. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of energy efficiency programs to include those that promote the development or use of energy storage systems specifically for residential customers.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new definition for "energy storage system," describing it as a commercially available technology that utilizes various processes to absorb and store energy for later use. This inclusion aims to enhance the Focus on Energy program by integrating residential energy storage solutions, thereby promoting greater energy efficiency and sustainability within the state.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 196.374(1)(d), 196.374, 196.374(3)(b)2