Wisconsin legislators have introduced a new version of the energy infrastructure bill – the 2025 Wisconsin Energy Reform Act, WI Assembly Bill 174. It would give Wisconsin-based utility companies priority in developing new high-voltage transmission lines, which impacts competitive bidding. It is contentious with supporters claiming the bill will benefit electricity customers through regional cost-sharing, and critics arguing that it could reduce competition and increase costs for consumers.
Added to this bill are provisions related to large-scale renewable energy development. It would require the purchase of 4 or 2 acres for farmland conservation easements for every acre of renewable energy developed, with the goal is to site projects on nonproductive land. Other provisions relate to advanced notification to neighbors within 1 mile of the project and filing decommissioning and drainage plans. Also, the bill contains incentives for Wisconsin utilities to develop nuclear energy moving nuclear in priority after energy efficiency and conservation. Wispolitics, WPR, Telegraphherald