Wisconsin Ag Connection - Funding for Rural Wisconsin Broadband Approved

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Funding for Rural Wisconsin Broadband Approved
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/26/2016

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has authorized additional money to help boost faster Internet service to rural Wisconsin.

PSC Spokesperson Elise Nelson says new state statutes require equitable access to the Focus on Energy program for all who pay into it but the benefit per capita is disproportionately lower than customers in urban areas.

"The decision was about addressing this discrepancy," Nelson said. "Commissioners agreed to use more than $45 million unallocated dollars to develop new rural programs for both biodigesters and to explore how broadband might play a role in improving energy efficiency and removing barriers to energy efficiency in rural areas."

Incorporating broadband into Focus on Energy delivery will make it more cost effective and efficient. Nelson says it will free up more than $7 million dollars in renewable energy resources.

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program.

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