WI SB3

Solar and wind energy projects with a capacity of 15 megawatts or more must obtain approval from each city, village, and town where the project would 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 deadline by up to 90 additional days for reasons including needing more information (45 days), material modifications to the request (90 days), or other good cause.

Existing state law limitations on local restrictions of solar and wind energy systems do not apply to this new municipal approval process for projects 15 megawatts or larger.

The bill applies to both certificates of authority for public utility projects and certificates of public convenience and necessity for large electric generating facilities (100+ megawatts).