Northeast Wisconsin program fuels energy conservation

From an article by Richard Ryman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

Allouez is one of three northeastern Wisconsin communities tabbed for pilot programs to encourage consumers to use less electricity and natural gas. The programs are a result of an agreement between WPS, the Citizens Utility Board and the state Public Service Commission to see if conservation can be brought about without coercive utility rates.

"One of the things we struggle with in our industry is what does it take to get residential customers to be interested? Nobody's really cracked that nut," said Dennis Derricks, director of electric regulatory policy and analysis for Integrys Energy Group, parent company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp.

Called iCanConserve, the program offers a variety of incentives for people to upgrade their houses and equipment, and to change behaviors. Focus on Energy, the utility-funded statewide energy efficiency organization, is providing steeply discounted home energy audits and other information and assistance in support of the program.

The first pilot program kicked off in Brillion last fall. The Allouez program began this fall and a central Wisconsin community likely will host the third. . . .

"Generally, people can save 20 percent (on utility bills) if they do these things," said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.