Wisconsin Task Force Recommends Feed-In Tariffs

A report by the Wisconsin Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming has recommended implementation of Feed-in Tariffs – the same policy mechanism that has successfully spurred rapid growth of renewable energy in Spain, Germany, and elsewhere. Feed-In Tariffs have become commonplace in Europe, but the report represents the first time an advisory committee to a U.S. governor has formally recommended the policy. Under the recommendation, generators of renewable energy would be paid a premium rate for the energy they produce, in recognition of the system-wide benefits created by diversification of the electric supply. The Wisconsin task force has recommended that the tariff system be set up such that it ensures generators receive financial returns comparable to the returns allowed utilities, and that those returns be guaranteed over a period that ensures full recovery of costs.