Coalition issues a White Paper outlining a comprehensive package of policy options for remedying Wisconsin's shaky reliability picture. The paper proposes gradually increasing the amount of renewable electricity sold in Wisconsin and applying public benefits funding to increase installations of customer-owned renewable systems. In a major address, Governor Thompson calls for legislation to correct limitations on the state's transmission systems.
Coalition begin work on drafting reliability legislation acceptable to both camps.
April Alliant Energy contracts with Minergy Corporation, a subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy, to purchase power from a 6.5 MW turbine fueled with paper mill sludge. The turbine will be installed at Minergy's Neenah plant, which employs a combustion process to convert paper mill sludge into glass aggregate. June Governor Thompson unveils a comprehensive initiative, dubbed Reliability 2000, to revamp the transmission system in Wisconsin and institute longer-term improvements to the grid. Citing the broad array of groups supporting Reliability 2000, the Governor urges the Legislature to pass the bill as proposed. All 33 wind generators in eastern Wisconsin are energized in time to qualify for a federal production tax credit.