The State of Wisconsin Energy Independent (EI) Communities Initial Findings will be shared with all Wisconsin communities to inspire and spur further action toward energy independence. The survey was designed to gauge the level of activity, types of actions and funding, and factors that both promote and hinder success toward the energy independence goal adopted by 150 communities and tribes since 2009. The initial EI goal was to produce 25% of energy locally by 2025 for local government operations, including electricity, heat and transportation fuels. Some communities have moved their goal to 100% by various dates since.
The results from 30% of EI Communities provide valuable information and insights about how UW-Madison Extension and the PSC Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) can help EI Communities and others be successful in reaching and exceeding their initial goal in the next 5 years. The survey was administered by UW-Madison Extension December 2019 – February 2020, with funding from OEI’s US Department Of Energy State Energy Program Funds. Results will be reported on soon and posted to the Energy On Wisconsin Website.