Wisconsin State Program Subsidy for Biomass and Biogas Installations

I find this article somewhat confusing as the figures don't seem to tally. The item says in the headline that "Wisconsin State Program allocates $750,000 for biomass, biogas installations", which at under $1million isn't much money at all! I presume that a decimal point must have gone missig here somewhere. On that basis I would hail this as another step forward in the rising trend in the US, where individual states are picking up on environmentally beneficial, and hopefully also "economically viable" opportunities and providing them with encouragement. If anyone reading this can shed more light on the overall budget figures involved in this inititaive, we would be delighted to receive your comments. Please visit the original article via the link below the extract provided below:

Wisconsin residents and businesses that install biogas or biomass-based technology can receive up to $250,000 through a newly formed renewable energy utilities program. The program, Focus on Energy, is accepting applications until August 29, 2012. William Haas, program director for Focus on Energy, said the newly offered programs will better serve utility rate payers while adding to a mix of other incentive programs already offered in the state.

Through the Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program, Wisconsin businesses can apply through a request for proposal (RFP) process that details the stipulations for funding. For the biogas RFP, the applicant may not request more than $2 million. The funding may go towards energy generating equipment and materials, but previously acquired equipment or materials will not qualify for funding. All biogas systems must have an electronic method of measuring and tracking energy production, as well as a data exporting or uploading system. The RFP for biogas projects also encourages the use of biogas cleaning systems, and, methane meters are required.

For the biomass funding, all projects may not exceed $2 million. Like the biogas funding opportunity, only energy generation equipment or materials will be considered as part of the total project funding. Demolishing a wall to install a wood burner where a natural gas furnace could be installed, the RFP document explained, would not be considered eligible for funding. All systems must have energy monitoring methods in place, and, records detailing the fuel source inputs into the system. To learn more please about the program see the Focus on Energy website. 

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