WI:State may expand funding for dairy farm digesters

The state's utility regulator is planning to spend more money on energy projects in rural Wisconsin, including a plan to help underwrite the use of systems that convert cattle manure into electricity.  The state Public Service Commission voted on Thursday to authorize at least $7.7 million in funding for rebates for solar, wind and geothermal projects around the state that would keep in place a rebate program for energy consumers. The program, Focus on Energy, provided $8.5 million in rebates over the past two years. The commission also decided to increase funding for systems known as manure digesters that convert animal waste to electricity. The digesters also serve a dual role of helping farms manage manure, which has become an increasingly controversial issue in Wisconsin as the size of dairy farms grows. The commission says it is considering spending $10 million to $20 million on manure digester technology and will lead efforts with other state agencies to encourage the use of the equipment.