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Wisconsin (US-WI)

Market Type: Deregulated (Retail Choice)
SSS Relevance: ⭐⭐⭐ High
Grid Carbon Intensity: See emissions section

SSS Factors: significant nuclear capacity, hydroelectric resources

1. Overview​

Wisconsin operates a regulated electricity market where customers generally cannot choose their provider; instead, utilities function as regulated monopolies with rates overseen by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) [1]. The market is dominated by three major Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and is integrated into the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which manages the high-voltage transmission grid and wholesale markets across the region [1].

As of late 2024 to early 2025, Wisconsin's grid carbon intensity is approximately 467 gCO₂eq/kWh [2]. The state's generation remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas accounting for over 60% (or 72% of in-state generation) of the electricity mix [1][2]. Low-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear, account for roughly 25% of total generation, while the state imports approximately 12% of its electricity from the regional grid [1][2].

Wisconsin has set a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 [2]. In 2024, renewable energy sources supplied approximately 12.3% of the state's total net electricity generation [3]. The breakdown of in-state renewable generation includes solar (4%), wind (3%), hydroelectric power (3%), and biomass (1%) [3]. Notably, Wisconsin is a net importer of electricity, consuming roughly 6% more than it generates, and as of 2022, nearly 64% of the renewable electricity sold in the state was imported from neighboring states like Iowa and Minnesota [2][3].

Electricity rates in Wisconsin are among the highest in the Midwest. As of March 2026, residential rates averaged 17.84¢/kWh, slightly higher than the U.S. average of 17.24¢/kWh, while commercial rates averaged 13.70¢/kWh [1]. Rising demand, particularly from new data centers and AI infrastructure, is projected to drive peak demand up to 17.1 GW by 2031 [2].

2. Market Structure​

Wisconsin operates under a regulated electricity market model without retail choice for residential consumers. The state is primarily served by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which functions as the regional transmission organization (RTO) and independent system operator, managing the grid and a real-time energy market across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba 1. State law (Statute 196.485) permits the transfer of facility control to such an operator to enhance reliability and cost-effectiveness, while the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) maintains an Office of Regional Markets (ORM) to advocate for the state's interests within MISO 1.

Electric utilities in Wisconsin are categorized into three ownership structures:

  • Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs): Private, for-profit corporations regulated by the PSC. Although fewer in number, IOUs serve approximately 83% of the state's electricity customers. Major providers include We Energies, Xcel Energy, and Alliant Energy 2.
  • Municipal Utilities: Non-profit entities owned by local governments (cities, towns, or villages). There are 81 municipal electric utilities in the state. While locally overseen, they are regulated by the PSC similarly to IOUs. Many participate in joint action agencies, such as WPPI Energy 3.
  • Electric Cooperatives: Private, non-profit utilities owned by their members, typically serving rural areas. They are self-regulated by an elected board of directors, though the PSC oversees large construction projects and territory boundaries. Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative is the largest example in the state 4.

Unlike deregulated markets, Wisconsin maintains a monopoly structure where customers must purchase power from their designated local utility at rates set by the PSC 5. There is currently no retail choice for residents or most businesses to shop for third-party energy suppliers. Recent discussions regarding deregulation have been driven by electricity rates that are higher than the national average 6. ⚠️ The search results reference a "Recent Legislative Focus (2025-2026)" and specific rate comparison data from "Dec 2025," which appear to be future dates or projections and require verification against current timelines.

3. Clean Energy Policy​

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Wisconsin mandates that all electric providers maintain a renewable energy percentage of at least 6 percentage points above their individual 2001–2003 baseline 7. The state initially set a goal of 10% renewable energy by 2015 under 2005 Wisconsin Act 141, a target achieved in 2013. In 2020, eligible renewable energy accounted for 12.98% of retail sales 7. Compliance is tracked using Renewable Resource Credits (RRCs), representing one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy, which can be banked or traded among utilities 7.

Carbon-Reduction Goals Wisconsin does not currently have a binding "clean energy mandate law" requiring 100% clean energy. Instead, the state's transition is driven by Executive Order #38 (2019), which sets a goal for all electricity consumed in the state to be 100% carbon-free by 2050 8. This order also established the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) to coordinate the state's Clean Energy Plan 9.

Legislative Developments and Utility Actions While the 2050 goal is not a strict legal mandate, major utilities have set voluntary decarbonization targets to align with state objectives, including net-zero goals by 2050 for WEC Energy Group, Alliant Energy, and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) 10.

Recent legislative efforts include:

  • Nuclear Energy: In 2025, Governor Evers signed bipartisan bills (Senate Bills 124 and 125) to establish a Nuclear Power Summit Board and fund a $2 million study for future nuclear and fusion energy sites 10.
  • Climate Accountability Act: Introduced in 2025, this bill aims to require a 52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aligning state law with the Governor’s Clean Energy Plan 9.
  • Energy Reform Act (WERA): A 2025 proposal seeks to increase local control by requiring approval from every municipality involved before state regulators can approve solar and wind projects 11.
  • EV Infrastructure: Legislation (Senate Bills 791 and 792) enabled the use of $78 million in federal NEVI funding for charging corridors and exempted private charging station owners from utility regulation 10.

⚠️ Uncertainty regarding legislative status: The search results reference dates in late 2025 and early 2026 (e.g., "As of late 2025," "Pending... as of early 2026"). The status of bills like the Climate Accountability Act and WERA may have changed since these queries were run.

4. Utility Landscape​

Wisconsin's electric utility landscape is characterized by a mix of investor-owned, cooperative, and municipal entities. Investor-owned utilities (IOUs) are the dominant providers, supplying roughly 83% of the state's retail electricity sales 12. The state is home to 12 IOUs 12.

The market is served primarily by five major IOUs:

  • We Energies (WEC Energy Group): The largest electric utility in the state, serving Milwaukee and eastern Wisconsin.
  • Wisconsin Public Service (WPS): A subsidiary of WEC Energy Group serving northeastern and central Wisconsin.
  • Alliant Energy (Wisconsin Power and Light): Serving as a major provider across the region.
  • Xcel Energy (Northern States Power - Wisconsin): Serving western and northern Wisconsin.
  • Madison Gas and Electric (MGE): Serving the greater Madison metropolitan area.

Smaller IOUs operating in the state include Superior Water, Light & Power, Dahlberg Light & Power, Consolidated Water Power, North Central Power Company, Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company, Pioneer Power & Light, and Westfield Electric Company 112.

The remainder of the state is served by not-for-profit community-owned models:

  • Electric Cooperatives: There are 24 distribution cooperatives in Wisconsin, serving approximately 10% of consumers 13. These are member-owned entities, often in rural areas, with many receiving wholesale power from Dairyland Power Cooperative.
  • Municipal Utilities: The state has 81 municipal electric utilities, which distribute over 11% of the state's electricity 1214. These are locally owned public assets, with 51 communities (41 in Wisconsin) receiving power through the non-profit joint action agency WPPI Energy.

Wisconsin's transmission infrastructure is anchored by the American Transmission Co. (ATC), the state's largest transmission-only utility.

5. SSS-Eligible Resources​

No specific SSS-eligible resources identified. See section notes.

⚠️ Status of Kewaunee: The search results mention the Kewaunee plant closed in 2013 but cite a January 2026 notice of intent to build new nuclear generation at the site. Given the current date is prior to 2026, this appears to be a prospective date or error in the source text; verification of the current regulatory status is required [ReadyWisconsin (.gov) +1].

6. EAC/REC Registry Infrastructure​

Wisconsin utilizes the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) as the primary registry for tracking and verifying Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), referred to state-specifically as Renewable Resource Credits (RRCs) 15.

Operation and Oversight M-RETS is a regional nonprofit system that issues one unique digital certificate for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy generated [1]. The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin oversees the certification of renewable facilities and monitors utility compliance with the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) [1]. Wisconsin was a founding member of M-RETS, joining the regional system in 2007 to prevent the double-counting of RECs across the Midwest [2].

Compliance and Validity To earn RRCs, electric providers must register their facilities with the PSC using a Renewable Facility Registration Report [1]. For RPS compliance, bankable certificates in M-RETS are valid for up to four years after their vintage year [3]. Once a certificate is used to meet a mandate or claim usage, it is "retired" to prevent double-counting [3].

Interoperability While M-RETS is the primary system for the state, it supports interoperability protocols that allow for the import and export of certificates with other major North American tracking systems, such as WREGIS or PJM-GATS [2].

7. Grid Emissions​

Generation Mix​

Scope 2 Reporting​

  • SB 253 requires Scope 2 reporting for companies >$1B revenue

Source: EPA eGRID, EIA, state regulatory filings

References​

Sources & Last Updated​

Research Date: 2026-03-10
Data Sources: EIA, EPA eGRID, state regulatory filings, SerpAPI research aggregation

This page was generated using automated research and may contain inaccuracies. Verify critical data with primary sources.

Footnotes​

  1. Wikipedia ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters +1, ↩

  3. wisconsinacademy.org +2, ↩

  4. wisconsinacademy.org +1; Wisconsin.Gov Home (.gov) ↩

  5. Customers First Coalition ↩

  6. Customers First Coalition +4; Choose Energy ↩

  7. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  8. Inside Climate News ↩

  9. Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy ↩ ↩2

  10. WPR ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  11. RENEW Wisconsin ↩

  12. wisconsinacademy.org ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  13. Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association ↩

  14. WPPI Energy ↩

  15. 1, 2, 3 ↩