WUWM’s June 2019 article examines how battery storage could help Wisconsin reduce reliance on coal by storing electricity generated from solar and wind. Although lawmakers removed Governor Tony Evers’ proposed carbon-free electricity goal from the state budget, utilities and homeowners were exploring cleaner energy options.
West Bend homeowner Peter Gibeau illustrates how residential storage works. His 23 rooftop solar panels charge lead-acid batteries during daylight hours, allowing his household to use stored electricity overnight. He reported lower utility bills and greater energy independence while maintaining a grid connection for backup.
Arch Electric owner Ed Zinthefer described how lithium batteries were making storage more practical. Their higher energy density allowed homeowners to fit more storage into smaller spaces. He noted that his company’s lithium battery costs had fallen approximately 10% over the previous year, although upfront expenses still made storage unsuitable for some households.
The article also explores growing interest from hospitals, utilities, and transmission companies in larger battery systems. Alongside these opportunities, Wisconsin Public Service Commission Chairperson Becky Valcq emphasized protecting customers who cannot afford storage from higher electricity costs. The story presents batteries as a promising technology whose expansion requires attention to affordability, regulation, and benefits across the electricity system.
