Study: Amended Clean Energy Jobs Act even better for state

From a news release issued by the Advocates for Renewable Energy, a coalition of organizations, including RENEW Wisconsin:

Act Will Save Wisconsin Utility Customers at Least $1.2 Billion

The Public Service Commission (PSC) released a study today finding that the Clean Energy Jobs Act substitute amendment will save Wisconsin electricity customers at least $1.2 billion over the next 15 years, and could save Wisconsin electricity customers up to $6.4 billion over that period, compared to the business as usual approach. The study is based on the energy cost savings of provisions included in the Clean Energy Jobs Act substitute amendment released on Wednesday.

“The PSC study confirms that the Clean Energy Jobs Act will save Wisconsin residents and businesses money,” said Vicky Lipinski of Procorp Enterprises, a water and wastewater treatment solution company in Milwaukee. “Sustainable energy solutions reduce costs for businesses and allow them to be more competitive and create jobs.”

The study finds that average customer electricity bills will be lower in 2015 and 2020 under all scenarios with the Clean Energy Jobs Act compared to the business as usual approach. These savings will be realized by customers even without any federal carbon regulation. When modest federal carbon regulation is assumed, the cost savings of the Clean Energy Jobs Act are even greater.

“Our continued reliance on fossil fuel generation provides great uncertainty in the energy market, as costs of coal and natural gas are highly variable and unpredictable,” said Shaina Kilcoyne of the coalition Advocates for Renewable Energy. “As the PSC study demonstrates, renewable energy provides stability and predictability, as well as cost savings for residents and businesses.”

The study is further proof that the cost concerns alleged by opponents of the bill are without merit. The Clean Energy Jobs Act will reduce energy costs, create jobs, and improve our economy.

“The Clean Energy Jobs Act will move our state forward and establish a stronger, healthier, more sustainable Wisconsin economy,” said Kilcoyne.