The Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) at the Public Service Commission (PSC) is administering Wisconsin’s Rural Energy Startup Program (RESP) funded by US DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). This program is geared to Wisconsin’s disadvantaged rural and Tribal communities that aren’t eligible to apply for EECBG funds through DOE. RESP funds strategies to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency.
Projects must fall under one of three activities:
- Comprehensive Energy Planning
- Renewable Resource Planning
- Energy Audits and Building Upgrades.
Eligible Applicants: Wisconsin’s disadvantaged rural and Tribal communities. The specific communities that qualify for this funding are determined using several sources that have been rolled into a searchable Map app built for OEI. It includes maps that are based on census tract information using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), maps of Wisconsin rural areas by zip code and population size, and data from the Office of Management and Budget.
Due Date: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until funds are expended or March 29, 2024, at 1:30 PM Central, whichever comes first.
For more information RESP Webpage
Webinar that cover the program application instructions, Recording here, and slides here
Frequently Asked Questions
To learn How to Use the PSC Grants System
To receive updates from the PSC on RESP, subscribe to docket 9714-FG-2023.