Wisconsin Utilities Cut Emissions 56% Since 2005

Wisconsin's power companies are proving that clean energy makes good business sense, even as national climate policies change direction.

Wisconsin Public Service has cut its carbon emissions by 56% since 2005, putting the utility well on track toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The company powers homes and businesses across the state using an expanding network of solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric facilities.

The utility just flipped the switch on Wisconsin's first large-scale battery storage system. The facility stores excess renewable energy generated during sunny or windy periods, then releases it during peak demand hours when customers need it most.

"We provide reliable clean energy to our customers every day using our renewable energy facilities," said WPS spokesperson Matt Cullen. The company has saved customers tens of millions of dollars through these clean energy projects.

Customers can now take control of their energy choices through programs like NatureWise and the renewable pathway program. These options let families and businesses select renewable sources for their electricity, giving them a direct say in how their power gets generated.

The Ripple Effect

Wisconsin's clean energy expansion comes at a crucial moment. The electric power sector produces about 25% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making utility-led changes especially impactful for fighting climate change.

When utilities invest in renewable infrastructure, entire communities benefit. Solar and wind farms create local jobs, reduce air pollution, and stabilize energy costs for customers who might otherwise face price swings from fossil fuel markets.

Battery storage technology solves one of renewable energy's biggest challenges: making sunshine and wind available even when the sky is cloudy or the air is still. Wisconsin's first large-scale facility proves the technology works at a practical scale, potentially paving the way for more installations across the Midwest.

The savings add up too. Decades of renewable investments have already returned tens of millions of dollars to Wisconsin customers through lower energy costs and avoided infrastructure expenses.

As utilities across America watch Wisconsin's progress, the state is showing that environmental goals and business success can move forward together, no matter which way political winds blow.