MADISON, Wis. — The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on Aug. 28 approved awarding requests recommended in Round 2 of the federally funded Rural Energy Startup Program (RESP) and delegated authority to the delegated commissioner to award any remaining funds through a first‑come, first‑served process.

Commissioner Nieto, the delegated commissioner for Office of Energy Innovation matters, led the discussion and said the RESP grants are funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and support planning and building‑efficiency upgrades for rural communities. “We initially had an amount of $2,300,000 allocated to the state of Wisconsin,” Nieto said, adding that round 1 awarded 16 projects for just over $700,000 and an extended round awarded 14 projects for about $768,000.

In round 2, staff recommended funding 12 eligible applications for just over $980,000, leaving roughly $52,000 available plus any underspend from earlier rounds. Commissioners approved awarding the 12 projects in the full amounts requested and delegated to the delegated commissioner the authority to make subsequent eligibility and award decisions for the remaining funds. The commission directed that the delegated commissioner use a first‑come, first‑served approach to allocate residual funds unless a competitive review becomes necessary based on applications received in the extended deadline.

Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs between a comparative review and a first‑come, first‑served allocation. Commissioner Hawkins supported first‑come, first‑served, noting the program’s timeline and that priorities established for the program had not been required to allocate funding to date. Chairperson Strand said she would be comfortable with comparative review if needed but supported delegation to expedite awards and ensure timely use of funds before the program deadline.

The commission recorded the vote to approve awards and delegate authority as unanimous.

Commissioners said the delegated commissioner or division staff will act to finalize awards and ensure projects are completed and reimbursed by the federal program deadline (December 2026).