WI AB7

Solar and wind energy projects with capacity of 15 megawatts or more must obtain approval from each city, village, and town where the project will be located before the Public Service Commission can issue construction certificates.

Municipalities must approve or disapprove projects by resolution within 90 days of receiving a request; failure to act within the deadline results in automatic approval.

Municipalities may extend the 90-day review period by up to 90 additional days for reasons including need for additional information, material project modifications, or other good cause specified in writing.

Existing state limitations on local authority to restrict solar and wind energy systems do not apply to municipal approval decisions under this new process.

The Public Service Commission is prohibited from issuing certificates of authority or certificates of public convenience and necessity for covered solar or wind projects without prior municipal approval resolutions.