Wisconsin's power struggle: Governor’s race puts energy bills on the ballot

Wisconsin voters could face major differences in household energy costs depending on who wins the governor’s race and the energy policies they pursue, according to a new analysis from the nonpartisan research firm Greenline Insights.

Between 2027 and 2040, it projected a roughly $4,000 gap in average household costs among the agendas of Democratic candidate David Crowley and Republican candidate Tom Tiffany.

Jonah Kurman-Faber, founder and CEO of Greenline Insights, estimated Crowley’s proposed investments would save households money, while Tiffany’s approach would increase costs.

"No one has a crystal ball but we know the general direction here," Faberman explained. "The specific dollars and cents may not matter as much as which one is going to save you thousands of dollars, and which one is going to lose you thousands of dollars."

According to the analysis, the biggest driver of the gap is based on investment or disinvestment in Wisconsin’s "Focus on Energy" program, which aims to help households reduce energy use through efficiency upgrades and home weatherization. Wisconsin faces two possible paths for the program. Crowley’s policies represent what the Greenline report calls an "Expansion Package," doubling funding for Focus on Energy. Tiffany’s platform offers the "Rollback Package," which would eliminate funding and restrict the solar and wind buildout.

Faberman stressed rising data center demand makes the topic of energy affordability increasingly important.

"These data centers, they require a lot of electricity, and it's the responsibility of your state, local, federal government to protect you. At the very least, if they're going to allow data centers to come, then you need to be protected," Faberman contended.

Focus on Energy is ratepayer-funded. Increasing it would temporarily spike taxpayer costs for long-term gain.

Faberman added the analysis models a cumulative difference of more than $10 billion in household energy costs statewide through 2040. He underscored the choices Wisconsin voters make next month are likely to affect their finances for years to come.

The research was commissioned by Evergreen Action and Wisconsin Conservation Voters.

Judith Ruiz-Branch wrote this story for Wisconsin News Connection, a member of Public News Service.