An Act to amend 79.04 (4) (a), 79.04 (4) (b), 79.04 (8) (intro.), 79.04 (8) (a) and 79.04 (8) (b); to create 79.005 (1j), 79.005 (1L) and 79.04 (7m) of the statutes; Relating to: providing utility aid payments for certain energy storage facilities. (FE)
Sponsored By: Dan Feyen (Republican), Jesse James (Republican), Howard Marklein (Republican), Mark Spreitzer (Democratic), Van Wanggaard (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Gas storage brings local governments new aid
For distributions after January 1, 2027, Wisconsin pays local governments annually for qualifying liquefied natural gas storage. Cities or villages get $6 per $1,000 of net book value and counties $3; towns get $3 and counties $6. The Department of Revenue determines that value as of the prior December 31 and certifies payments from the Public Utility Account. Eligible owners are qualifying utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal electric companies. Property covered by section 66.0813 is excluded unless a local government outside the municipality owns or operates it.
Grid storage brings local governments new aid
For distributions after January 1, 2027, Wisconsin pays local governments annually for grid-connected electricity storage with at least 1 megawatt of rated capacity. Eligible owners are qualifying utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal electric companies. Annual aid totals $2,000 per megawatt: cities or villages get two-thirds and counties one-third; towns get one-third and counties two-thirds. Property covered by section 66.0813 is excluded unless a local government outside the municipality owns or operates it. The Department of Revenue certifies payments, and the Department of Administration pays them from the Public Utility Account.
Nuclear fuel storage brings communities new aid
For distributions after January 1, 2027, a municipality hosting spent nuclear fuel storage receives $50,000 annually. When storage is within one mile of another municipality, the host gets $40,000 and the adjacent municipality gets $10,000. For facilities spanning multiple counties, county payments are divided under the law's formula, with a $10,000 annual minimum where applicable. The Department of Revenue certifies aid, and the Department of Administration distributes it from the Public Utility Account.
Local utility aid protected but sometimes delayed
For distributions after January 1, 2027, local aid cannot fall solely because some, but not all, facility units permanently stop. This protection applies to multi-unit plants and storage facilities whose first unit permanently stops after March 23, 2024. The protected amount is based on the local government's prior-year payment. Covered decommissioning payments remain delayed until the facility completes the process of being taken out of service. Those payments are then calculated using the applicable aid from the year before the first unit stopped.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Dan Feyen
Republican • Senate
Jesse James
Republican • Senate
Howard Marklein
Republican • Senate
Mark Spreitzer
Democratic • Senate
Van Wanggaard
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Clinton Anderson
Democratic • House
Robert Brooks
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Steve Doyle
Democratic • House
Joan Fitzgerald
Democratic • House
Jenna Jacobson
Democratic • House
Dean Kaufert
Republican • House
Rob Kreibich
Republican • House
Dave Maxey
Republican • House
Maureen McCarville
Democratic • House
Melissa Ratcliff
Democratic • Senate
Jessie Rodriguez
Republican • House
Joe Sheehan
Democratic • House
Jeff Smith
Democratic • Senate
Lisa Subeck
Democratic • House
Paul Tittl
Republican • House
Randy Udell
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 4-3-2026
4/6/2026SenateReport approved by the Governor on 4-2-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 163
4/6/2026SenatePresented to the Governor on 4-2-2026
4/2/2026SenateReport correctly enrolled
2/20/2026SenateLRB correction (Senate Amendment 1)
2/20/2026SenateReceived from Assembly concurred in
2/13/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/12/2026HouseRead a third time and concurred in
2/12/2026HouseRules suspended
2/12/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/12/2026HouseRead a second time
2/12/2026HouseRules suspended to withdraw from Senate message and take up
2/12/2026HouseRead
2/12/2026HouseReceived from Senate
2/12/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
2/11/2026SenateRead a third time and passed
2/11/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
2/11/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
2/11/2026SenateSenate Amendment 1 adopted
2/11/2026SenateRead a second time
2/11/2026SenateSenator Smith added as a coauthor
2/11/2026SenateRepresentative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor
2/9/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 2-11-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
2/9/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
2/3/2026SenateReport passage as amended recommended by Joint Committee on Finance, Ayes 15, Noes 0
2/3/2026Senate
Bill Text
Senate Amendment 1
2/3/2026
Bill Text
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