Wisconsin Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program

Program funding is not available at this time.  Check back in early summer and/or subscribe to the email list below for program updates.

The program was created by the Governor's budget bill, 2005 Wisconsin Act 25. Under the program, Commerce provides grants to freight motor carriers (common, contract and private motor carriers) headquartered in Wisconsin to purchase and install idling reduction units for newer truck tractors. Idling reduction units provide an alternative source of power used to heat, cool, or provide electricity to the cab or other parts of a truck in lieu of operating the truck's main drive engine to power these services. The use of idling reduction units on heavy-duty diesel trucks saves fuel and lowers air pollution emissions. It is anticipated that the program will award grants through June 2011.

• Factsheet
• Frequently Asked Questions

Awards are chosen randomly using a computer generated lottery system.

Eligible applicants will receive a reimbursement of up to 50% for the costs of idling reduction equipment and installation.

Before applying in the future, applicants should review the rule and changes made to the program in the 2007-2009 biennial budget.

For those fleets that will be requesting more than four idling reduction units, you can download Page 3 of the application (excel spreadsheet). Just save it to your local drive (hard drive) and fill it out. You can then include it when you mail-in your application.

Questions to consider before applying for grant coverage:

1. Do you own and operate your diesel truck tractor? The person applying for a grant must own and operate the truck.
2. Is your diesel truck(s) engine 1999 or newer? The engine model year must be 1999 or newer to be eligible for grant coverage.
3. Is your fleet headquartered in the state of Wisconsin? The fleet applying for grant coverage must be headquartered in the state of Wisconsin.
4. If you are an owner/operator is your residence in Wisconsin? The owner operator applying for grant coverage must reside in Wisconsin.
5. Have you reviewed the Statute and Rule to make sure you are eligible to apply for funding?

RULE

Please keep in mind, funding is not available for purchases made retroactively (e.g., idle reduction unit(s) purchased before July 1, 2008 would not be eligible for funding when applying for grant coverage July 1, 2008).

As stated in section 560.125 (4) (f) of the Wisconsin Statutes, if applying for grant coverage for more than one idling reduction unit, "The department shall require that applicants receiving grants under this section covering more than one idling reduction unit purchase idling reduction units of more than one type and from more than one manufacturer [emphasis added]. The department may impose other conditions on the receipt of grants.

Grant Recipients

• 2006 Grant Recipients

• 2007 Grant Recipients
  Governor's announcement of the 2007 Grant recipients

Idling Reduction Technology Information
Interested in how much savings and what the potential payback is for purchasing idling reduction equipment? The Department of Energy's Argonne Laboratory has developed a worksheet that enables truck owners to estimate their savings and potential payback when using idling reduction equipment. If you have any comments on the worksheet please email Dr. Linda Gaines at the Argonne Laboratory.

Have experience with idling reduction technology and want to share your thoughts? Send your thoughts to the Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program staff.

Questions
For more information on the Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program, you can contact:

Jean Beckwith Grant's Specialists Wisconsin Department of Commerce Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Technology Development Phone: (608) 261-2517 E-Mail: Jean.Beckwith@Wisconsin.gov

Tom Coogan Program Manager Wisconsin Department of Commerce Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Technology Development Phone: (608) 267-9214 Thomas.Coogan@Wisconsin.gov