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How much grant money is available?
50% of the total cost of the project, up to a $5,000 grant, is available from the municipal electric utility.
Why are we offering this program?
To assist dairy farmers with the cost of rewiring their operation, to promote energy conservation and safety, and to help ensure that rewiring is completed according to the Wisconsin state electrical code.
Will the municipal electric utility offer a loan instead of a grant?
No. For a loan, you will need to secure such from a financial institution. However, the utility could assist in applying the grant towards the buy down on the interest rate.
Who will do the electrical work?
You can choose your electrician as long as he/she is a Utility Approved Electrician.
Can I get a grant for wiring a new barn?
No. Only existing structures are eligible. New barns must be wired according to the latest version of the Wisconsin state electrical code.
When will I receive the grant money?
After a post-inspection, when the wiring work is completed according to Wisconsin state electrical code and all of the invoices and the wiring affidavit are given to the municipal electric utility.
Will funds be available to rewire my house as well as the barn?
Only if the service for the barn is served from a main panel in the house.
How do I apply?
Contact the municipal electric utility. We will schedule an appointment with an approved State Certified Commercial Electrical Inspector and a representative of the municipal electric utility to determine the extent of the project.
Do I have to have all farm buildings inspected?
No. You may elect to upgrade your farm buildings on an individual basis (to do one or two structures, while not addressing others).
If I have any electrical work done, will I need to upgrade the 3-phase service to 4-wire?
Yes. Any electrical work done to a facility served with a 3-phase service will have to be brought into full compliance with today’s 4-wire code.
What happens next?
You choose a Utility Approved Electrician to give you a bid on the project and provide us a copy of the bid. You may want to get multiple bids. If the bid meets the grant requirements, the project is given preliminary approval.
What happens after the rewiring is completed?
We schedule the State Certified Commercial Electrical Inspector to inspect the work and he/she provides written documentation that the work was completed according to Wisconsin state electrical code. You provide invoices from the electrician and the wiring affidavit. You choose if you want us to pay the electrician or the electrician and yourself.
What expenses are covered under the grant?
Labor and materials needed to rewire the farm (on the customer-side of the electric meter). Items such as isolation transformers, rings of life, and other systems not defined in the Wisconsin state electrical code are not eligible expenses under this program.
How long is this program available?
The program began on July 1, 2003 and will be remain available indefinitely. The utility may withdraw the program upon notifying and receiving PSC approval.
How is the grant program funded?
The program will be funded either from the energy conservation monies collected by the municipal electric utility or from rate base funding as approved and authorized by the PSC.
Is there unlimited money to fund the program?
No. Generally, the program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the number of applicants, a waiting list will be created until enough grant money becomes available.
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