PSC approves expanded voluntary efficiency programs, sets reporting and evaluation requirements

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on Sept. 11 voted to approve multiple voluntary energy‑efficiency programs filed by investor‑owned utilities, and it attached evaluation and reporting requirements intended to improve program transparency and participation. The commission approved the utilities’ proposed 2026–27 program offerings while specifying different expectations for measurement, evaluation and reporting depending on the program and utility.

The decisions affect four dockets: Docket 5‑EE‑2026 (WE Energies/Wisconsin Gas residential assistance/weatherization program), Docket 42‑20‑EE‑2026 (NSPW commercial and residential programs), Docket 6680‑EE‑2026 (Wisconsin Power & Light enhanced low‑income weatherization), and Docket 6690‑EE‑2026 (Wisconsin Public Service Corporation residential assistance program). Commissioners said the voluntary programs are intended to complement the statewide Focus on Energy program and to deepen efficiency gains beyond the statutorily required minimum.

Commissioners noted that Focus on Energy is the statewide foundation with contractor networks and incentive structures; the voluntary programs layer additional incentives or services on top of Focus to increase participation or provide measures Focus does not offer. The commission emphasized that the voluntary…