PSC opens invetigation of potential utility development of solar generation

From an announcement issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin:

This is an investigation to assess the potential for the development of utility investments in solar energy resources to cost-effectively contribute to Wisconsin's electric supply. The Sierra Club submitted testimony discussing solar energy resources in Commission dockets 6680-UR-116 and 6690-UR-119, the Wisconsin Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation rate cases recently before the Commission. At its open meeting on December 18,2008, under the authority of Wis. Stat. 5 196.02, the Commission directed Commission staff to prepare a notice to open a docket to investigate utility investments in solar energy resources.

The Commission intends to work with stakeholders to:
(1) identify and assess the current financial and business models available for utility investment in solar energy resources;
(2) identify and assess the costs of utility investments in solar energy resources;
(3) identify and assess the benefits of utility investments in solar energy resources, including benefits to:
(a) peak and intermediate load operations,
(b) the utility as a business,
(c) policy objectives, including meeting the state's renewable portfolio standards and reducing greenhouse gases in preparation for proposed federal legislation, and
(d) utility risk management;
(4) identify and assess technical, market and policy issues that may affect the potential for utility investment in solar energy resources; and (5) establish short-term and long-term recommendations regarding
program design and implementation of utility investments in solar energy resources. Other issues may also be identified and investigated.