Dan York: Wisconsin slips down in energy-efficiency ranking

A letter to the editor from Dan York, with a correction to the original article "Wisconsin slips down in energy-efficiency ranking.". It's worth reading the original, and the correction is listed below:

Dear Editor: The Biz Beat article “Wisconsin slips down in energy-efficiency ranking,” published Oct. 6, reveals how Wisconsin has lost its one-time leadership position for policies and programs to achieve greater energy efficiency according to annual rankings performed by my organization, the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEEE). We are pleased to see this issue raised in Wisconsin.

The article contains one statement, however, that is incorrect. A spokeswoman for the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Kristin Ruesch, states that our group (ACEEE) did not look at “achievements” but “spending alone.” Our State Scorecard, in fact, assesses and includes scores both for program spending and savings (achievements). We agree with the PSC that cost-effectiveness and savings impacts are important attributes of programs like Focus on Energy. It is precisely because of the demonstrated cost-effectiveness of Focus on Energy ($2.30 in economic benefits for every program dollar spent) that we believe higher levels of investments in this clean, low-cost energy resource are justified. The PSC reached the same conclusion in its 2010 review of the program, which led to its recommendation to greatly increase funding and associated energy savings goals for Focus on Energy.

Our neighboring states rank higher than Wisconsin because they continue to push for higher energy savings through increased investments in energy efficiency. Wisconsin, by contrast, is standing still and by doing so, is getting left behind. Energy efficiency saves customers money, protects the environment and creates jobs here in Wisconsin. We encourage Wisconsin’s policymakers to take actions to put Wisconsin back in a leadership position for creating a green energy economy for the 21st century.

Dan York, Ph.D., Utilities Program director, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

Fond du Lac Energy Tour, July 29

A guided bus tour of businesses using cutting-edge technologies and land use concepts to lower costs, protect natural resources, & strengthen the local economy.

Who Should Attend: Government officials; Business & industry representatives; Conservation group delegates; Interested local residents.

Date: Friday, July 29, 2011 - Time: 8:30am — 12:00pm

Cost: $10 (cash or check to UW-Extension)

Departing From & Returning To: UW-Fond du Lac (north parking lot), 400 University Dr., Fond du Lac

To Register Contact: 920/929-3173 or diana.tscheschlok@ces.uwex.edu. Space is limited.

Can’t Wait? Take a virtual tour online at www.FDLHealthyAir.com.

Visited on the Tour:

Harris-Morris Residence
This house is equipped with a tankless water heater and a geothermal pond system that provides both heat and air conditioning. Talk to the family about how they chose these technologies and their experiences using them.

Wildlife Acres
Lot orientations in this subdivision maximize possibilities for houses to be built with passive solar and geothermal systems. A stocked retention pond can be used for fishing and watering lawns.

Mid-States Aluminum Corporation
This company has saved $86,000 per year on energy costs thanks to Lean Six Sigma techniques and a volunteer Energy Team. Learn about the process they used to involve associates in conservation projects and the unexpected places they found savings.

J. F. Ahern
Tour their LEED Gold headquarters and see the “greenwater” system that captures and reuses rainwater, an efficient ice storage system for cooling, and the atrium with unique indoor air quality and lighting features.

Funding Hiatus Darkens Outlook for In-State Renewables

Immediate release
July 5, 2011

More information
Michael Vickerman
Executive Director
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org

Funding Hiatus Darkens Outlook for In-State Renewables

For the first time in its 11-year history, Focus on Energy is no longer accepting applications from Wisconsin businesses and nonprofit entities seeking to install renewable energy systems. This new policy took effect July 1.

According to Focus on Energy officials, this suspension of financial incentives is necessary to balance demand for renewable energy systems with available funds. In 2009, Focus on Energy allocated approximately $10 million to support customer-sited renewable energy systems. More than half of that allocation went to businesses, farmers, local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

“We recognize that Focus on Energy officials have a responsibility to ensure that outflows don’t exceed revenues. However, this suspension could not have occurred at a worse time for Wisconsin’s renewable energy contractors,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin.

“Unfortunately, this move coincides with Milwaukee-based We Energies’ decision to walk away from an agreement with RENEW Wisconsin to commit $60 million over a 10-year period to develop renewable energy within its territory,” Vickerman said. ‘We Energies disclosed its unilateral action in May, barely more than halfway into honoring its commitment.”

“Given the adverse environment for renewable energy right now in Wisconsin, we hope that the interruption amounts to nothing more than a brief timeout,” said Vickerman.

“Unless funding is restored quickly, 2012 will turn out to be a very lean year for contractors and installers,” Vickerman warned.

As of this moment, the renewable energy marketplace is bristling with new installations. Installations to be completed this summer with incentives from Focus on Energy include:
• Two small wind turbines serving a Monroe County cranberry grower;
• A solar hot water system serving a new apartment building next to the Hilldale shopping complex in Madison;
• Side-by-side solar hot water and electric installations atop a new classroom building at the UW-Oshkosh;
• An engine generator fed with biogas derived from the City of Appleton’s wastewater treatment plant.

However, without a fresh supply of Focus-funded projects, Wisconsin’s renewable energy development pipeline will slow to a trickle, forcing contractors and installers to either seek work in other states or lay off employees.

Wisconsin has more than 2,500 customer-sited renewable energy installations, the vast majority of which received either financial incentives or facilitation services from Focus on Energy. In total, these installations have a generating capacity of about 20 megawatts.

END

Small businesses hit hard by energy program cuts and changes

From an article by Judy Newman in the Wisconsin State Journal:

Focus on Energy, a statewide program that promotes energy efficiency, is in the midst of big changes: new management by an out-of-state corporation, suspension of a popular rebate program, and sharp funding cuts in the pending state budget.

Nearly 20 people already have lost their jobs, mostly in Madison, as a result of the management change.

Meanwhile, dozens of small Wisconsin businesses that specialize in setting up solar panels and wind turbines fear for their futures because of the slashed allocation and rebate removal.

“It’s a lot of economic activity and jobs in Wisconsin. It’s a lot of energy efficiency, as well,” said Keith Reopelle, policy director for Clean Wisconsin.

Focus on Energy was created in 2001 to provide education, resources and cash incentives to Wisconsin residents and businesses to increase the use of energy-efficient products and systems, from furnaces to solar panels to vending machines.

In the past 10 years, more than 91,000 businesses and more than 1.7 million residents used the program and saved $2.20 for every dollar spent, according to Focus data. . . .

Since taking over Focus on Energy on May 9, one of Shaw’s first decisions, with PSC support, was to suspend payments to businesses that install renewable-energy systems, as of June 30.

Contractors like Seventh Generation Energy Systems were stunned.“It’s pretty devastating,” said James Yockey, chief executive officer. “It probably took out six to 10 projects that we were looking to close ... for work in the fall and the coming spring.”

Several of the projects were wind turbines for farmers. “I think the incentives are decisive in people saying yes,” Yockey said . . . .

Program supporters have appealed to Gov. Scott Walker to veto the Focus budget cut, including a letter signed by 124 Wisconsin businesses. As of Friday, there was no word on his response. Walker is scheduled to sign the budget today.

“Cutting Focus on Energy will result in higher electricity bills and fewer jobs,” Randy Johnson, president of U.S. Lamp, a Green Bay energy-efficient lighting design company, said in the letter.

Seventh Generation’s Yockey said he hopes to avoid laying off any of his 16 employees by aiming his business at other states, and that could mean moving the company. “We prefer to be located in Madison but the bottom line is: we’ll see where the business takes us,” he said.

120 businesses urge funding support for job creation through energy efficiency and renewable energy

From an article by Charles Davis in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

Thousands of future jobs are at stake if Gov. Scott Walker doesn't veto a provision in the state budget that limits funding for the Focus on Energy program, local business leaders said Wednesday.

"I see it being a real detriment to our business and our customers going forward if we don't have these funding increases," said Jeff Klonowski, regional manager of Kaukauna-based Energy Federation Inc., which supplies lighting fixtures, foam and weather-stripping materials to area contractors.

But supporters of the provision object to the amount of the funding increase, not the program.

"The Focus on Energy program certainly had a lot of benefits, but the huge increase in assessments that were put in place at the end of last year, we think, were too much, too soon," said Scott Manley, director of environmental and energy policy for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobby.

Walker received a letter Wednesday signed by more than 120 businesses asking that he veto that provision in the state budget bill. His office responded with a one-line statement: "We'll evaluate that provision and make any veto-related announcements once the decisions have been finalized."

The program
The statewide Focus on Energy program is funded by tax assessments on utility bills and provides grants to help homeowners and businesses pay for energy-efficient upgrades. It also helps pay for consultants to advise property owners on which type of upgrades would be practical and cost-effective. Each year, utility companies contribute 1.2 percent of revenue — about $100 million total — to the program.

The state Public Service Commission proposed in December raising the utility bill assessments from $94 million in 2010 to $256 million by 2014.

The proposal calls for utilities to increase their contributions to $120 million this year. That amount is fixed even if Walker does not veto the provision. However, assessments would drop to around $100 million in 2012, instead of the initial proposed increase of $160 million for that year.

Image by Clean Wisconsin

Appleton schools excel in energy efficiency

From an article by Kathy Walsh Nufer in the Appleton Post Crescent:

APPLETON — The Appleton Area School District has received an Energy Star Rating from the federal government for high energy performance in 23 of its 26 school buildings.

And that, school officials say, translates into money saved.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating system helps assess how efficiently buildings use energy when compared to similar buildings nationwide.

A rating of 50 on the 1-100 scale indicates average energy performance, while a rating of 75 or better indicates top performance.

Bob Zuehlsdorf, director of facilities and operations, told Board of Education members last week that the strong rating is "huge" for Appleton. "That's the gold standard from the federal standpoint."

Zuehlsdorf noted that the three school buildings that did not get the top rating "just missed" the 75 mark needed. Badger Elementary School had a 74, and Wilson Middle School and the Morgan Building each received a 73.

Energy Star plaques will be posted in the schools soon.

Appleton's public school buildings take up the equivalent of 2,300 houses in space, and the district has made a concerted effort to cut back on energy usage in the last few years.

That has paid off, said Zuehlsdorf. Even though electric, gas and water rates continue to rise, expenses are staying about the same or going down. Energy costs are projected to run $269,000, or 8.8 percent under budget this year.

Budget commitee slashes energy efficiency funding

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

Cuts to key environmental programs continue in Wisconsin, with a sharp reduction in future funding for Focus on Energy, a statewide energy efficiency effort.

On a party-line vote Tuesday, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee rolled back the budget for Focus on Energy to less than $100 million annually. The monies come from a tax on electric utility revenues and are distributed to businesses and individuals for energy savings projects.

The Focus on Energy program has been administered over the past years by the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a Madison-based non-profit. But the contract was awarded earlier this year to the Shaw Group, a Baton Rouge, La., firm with offices in Milwaukee.

The Public Service Commission in November 2010 had proposed new energy savings goals for Focus on Energy by hiking the utility assessment. Those budgets were then approved by the Democratic majority in Joint Finance and would have upped money in the program from $120 million in 2011 to $256 million by 2014.

But with the committee action, funding for Focus on Energy will remain flat for the foreseeable future.

Co-chairman Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, led opposition to the increase, calling it a redistribution of utility ratepayer dollars.

Launched in 2001, Focus on Energy has helped residents and businesses save nearly $2 billion on their energy bills, supporters of the program say.

Neenah Foundry implements innovative energy-efficient technology

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy and published on PitchEngine.com:

With the help of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and in partnership with We Energies, Neenah Foundry has implemented an energy-efficient emerging technology into practice that shows promise for any facility that operates cabinet coolers. Neenah Foundry, of Neenah, Wis., cut energy costs on 68 cabinet coolers by more than 50 percent—this adds up to energy savings of more than $141,000 annually.

Cabinet coolers keep critical electronic circuitry in challenging industrial environments clean, cool, and dry. Traditionally, cabinet coolers use a lot of compressed air which translates into high energy use. After exploring various options to reduce the energy use of cabinet coolers at Neenah Foundry, studies showed that retrofitting the cabinet coolers with thermostat controls and an integrated purge function would be the most cost-effective energy-saving option.

Neenah Foundry retrofitted 68 vortex cabinet coolers which now use a small amount of purge air to maintain positive pressure within the cabinets at all times. They only use full air flow when the thermostat calls for cooling. The electronic thermostat operates just like a standard programmable thermostat, activating only when the temperature inside the cabinet rises to a certain level which prevents the cabinet coolers from needlessly running at full flow.

GE Healthcare seeks OK for wind turbines

From an article by Laurel Walker in the Milwaukee journal Sentinel:

Waukesha - GE Healthcare is seeking city permission to install 10 wind turbines up to 155 feet tall on its 662-acre Waukesha campus on county Highway T north of I-94.

The project, if approved, would be built next year or later, said Annette Busateri, public relations manager. It is part of the company's 2015 goal of reducing electrical usage by 15% and improving building energy efficiency by at least 10%, she said.

The Waukesha Plan Commission is scheduled to consider a conditional use permit for the project at its 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday. The city has no wind turbines, planner Michael Hoeft said.

City planner Jennifer Andrews said the company has lined up letters indicating state and federal agencies likely have no objections.

"They seem to have all their ducks in a row," she said.

Although the proposed turbines are about a mile from the runways of Waukesha County's airport, Crites Field, their height would be below the limit set by the county's zoning ordinance that protects airspace around the airport from encroaching structures.

The plan calls for turbines on towers ranging from 135 to 155 feet tall. Three would be behind the former headquarters building, now an assembly building for medical imaging equipment that's the farthest north of three buildings. The other seven would be between the two other buildings farther south.

Waukesha County Parks and Land Use Director Dale Shaver said there are no commercial wind turbines in the county. Not only would this project be the first, but they would be near a high-traffic, very visible interchange.

Four agribusinesses honored with Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Management

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (December 30, 2010) – Floral Plant Growers, LLC, McMillan Farms, Peterson's Dairy LLC, and Rosendale Dairy were recently honored for earning the prestigious Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Management. This award recognizes businesses dedicated to adopting energy-efficient and sustainable practices in Wisconsin.

With the help of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, in partnership with Alliant Energy, Marshfield Utilities, Oconto Electric Cooperative, We Energies, and Wisconsin Public Service, these four Wisconsin agribusinesses launched aggressive energy-saving efforts and continue to investigate new technologies and find more ways to save energy throughout their businesses.

Since 2008, Floral Plant Growers, LLC of Denmark, Wis. has saved more than 144,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 211,000 therms of natural gas annually. To reduce energy use in its greenhouses, Floral Plant Growers, LLC installed power-vented unit heaters and replaced double poly film roof glazing with double infrared (IR) poly film; upgraded to energy-efficient lighting; and installed occupancy sensors. Floral Plant Growers LLC is also keeping up with preventive maintenance, utilizing thermal blankets, and reducing air infiltration. These efforts add up to $240,000 in annual energy cost savings.

“Energy is a significant cost driver at Floral Plant Growers, LLC so finding ways to reduce natural gas and electricity costs is just one way we are working to become a more sustainable company while ensuring we are here for our customers for many years to come,” said Scott Lueder, Floral Plant Growers, LLC president.

Green Lake among school districts exceeding revenue caps for green projects

From an article by Amy Hetzner in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Voters in the Green Lake School District turned down three referendum proposals in 2010 to exceed spending limits, most recently a September request to pay for building work.

But many of the projects from that latest referendum - a new heating and ventilation system, replacing insulation and roofs as well as lights and computer monitors - are moving forward anyway, thanks to a new state law that allows school districts to exceed state-imposed revenue caps without voter approval if it's for energy efficiency projects.

"We're paying a short-term price for a long-term benefit," said Ken Bates, superintendent of the Green Lake School District, which has exceeded its revenue limits by $1.61 million over the past two years to pay for energy efficiency projects, more than any other school system in the state.

Statewide, the exception to state-imposed revenue caps that allows schools to increase their budgets for energy efficiency projects has paid for everything from solar panels and weather stripping to new boilers and air-conditioning cooling towers.

In all, officials with 46 Wisconsin school districts have spent or budgeted about $12 million on such initiatives since the 2009-'10 school year, when the new measure went into effect, according to figures reported to the state Department of Public Instruction. Of those districts, 13 have taken advantage of the exemption for both of the school years that it has been available.

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.

Green Bay home energy rebates help some, but not all

From an article by Charles Davis in the Fond du Lac Reporter:

Nancy Rein is falling through the cracks, and so is the heat in her home.

The 57-year-old unemployed homeowner from Green Bay said it's hard to qualify for energy-efficiency assistance to lower her heating bill.

"I have no money for anything, I need a roof right now, and I can't find any help," she said.

Rein is one of many homeowners seeking city and federal resources to make home improvements that would lower heating costs in preparation for winter.

Wisconsin Public Service Corp. predicts the typical residential customer could pay $13.50 more for heat this winter than last winter, totaling about $544 for natural gas between Nov. 1 and March 31.

With a $1 million federal grant, the city's Home Energy Audit Rebate Program helps homeowners make repairs. Homeowners can qualify for a $100 rebate on a home-energy audit, which usually costs $300 to $350.

If at least two upgrades are made within six months, the homeowner can receive another $100 rebate.

Manitowoc company gets $260K from Wisconsin for solar power, saving 200 jobs

From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $260,000 in funding for Orion Energy Systems to invest in their operations and help retain more than 200 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the State Energy Program (SEP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“My top priority has been to help companies and communities move forward and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said. “We are moving Wisconsin forward in difficult national economic times by investing in our businesses and making them more efficient and competitive. With this funding, we will be able to help Orion Energy Systems upgrade their leading energy efficiency technologies and retain hundreds of jobs in Wisconsin.”

“’Permanent Distributed Load Reduction’ as demonstrated here at Orion is the best course to chart for America’s energy future,” said Orion Chief Executive Officer Neal Verfuerth. “When energy use is reduced and renewable energy generated at an end-user’s facility, there is no need for costly transmission and the energy loss associated with it.”

Orion Energy Systems (Orion) produces energy management systems for companies worldwide, including energy-efficient light fixtures, wireless control technologies and ”direct use” renewable technologies. The company used SEP funds to purchase solar photovoltaic panels, wiring, and cabling for their Manitowoc facility. The photovoltaic system will allow Orion to capture solar radiation for the purpose of generating renewable electricity. The project is a $1.3 million investment.

More energy efficiency could create 9,000 jobs in Wisconsin

From an article by Larry Bivins in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

WASHINGTON — In the absence of a national policy that puts a cap on carbon emissions, some environmental activists see an opportunity to place more emphasis on efficiency as part of the solution to climate change.

Advocates say the potential benefits to the environment, the economy and individual pocketbooks cannot be ignored. One 2007 study estimates the U.S. could reap $1.2 trillion in electricity savings by investing $520 billion in energy efficiency measures by 2020.

In Wisconsin, a 2009 report by the Energy Center of Wisconsin said the state could create 7,000 to 9,000 jobs by 2012 and generate $900 million in savings by tripling its investment in energy efficiency.

President Barack Obama's administration set aside $16.8 billion in economic recovery act money for research and development, building retrofits, renewable energy projects and weatherization, among other things.

Wisconsin was awarded a $20 million grant in April for its Wisconsin Energy Efficiency (WE2) program to retrofit commerical, industrial and residential buildings.

"Wisconsin has made big steps forward in recent years through energy conservation, energy efficiency and by investing in a clean energy economy," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement declaring October to be Energy Awareness Month. "Through greater awareness we can continue to increase our energy independence, save money for families and businesses and create thousands of new clean-energy jobs in Wisconsin."

Don't fall for the myths about CFLs; now is the time to start saving

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

When you install ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) there are financial and energy savings to be realized; however, there are a few misconceptions about CFLs that have kept some homeowners on the fence. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is tackling those myths in an effort to educate Wisconsin residents and help them switch to CFLs. Starting Oct. 1, 2010, and for a limited time, Focus on Energy is offering CFLs for a discounted price at participating retail locations throughout the state.

"We are thrilled with the number of residents throughout Wisconsin who have reduced their energy use and utility bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, but there are still many who have not made the switch," said Linda Mae Schmitt, program manager for Focus on Energy. "It's my hope that by exposing common misconceptions about CFLs, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the many benefits of energy-efficient lighting. And now is the perfect time get on board. Why wouldn't you want to save money while also helping Wisconsin's environment?"

The release goes on to present the facts about the following myths:
Myth #1: CFLs are expensive.
Myth #2: CFLs won't fit in my fixtures.
Myth #3: CFLs are hazardous.
Myth #4: CFLs are hard to find.

Efficiency efforts a good investment

From an editorial in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

Some 20 area homeowners already are taking advantage of a home energy audit program that is a win-win for residents, businesses and the city of Green Bay.

It's a solid start for the grant-funded program after Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt introduced it slightly more than a week ago. Officials hope 1,000 city homeowners will sign up for the Home Energy Audit Rebate program, which offers up to $200 in rebates for residents who comply with certain requirements.

Residents who hire a certified contractor to conduct a home-energy audit — generally at a cost of $300 to $350 — can qualify for a $100 rebate through the program. If homeowners implement at least two of the audit's recommendations within six months, they can earn an additional $100 rebate from the city.

The audit program, funded through a $1 million grant as part of the federal stimulus, is designed to create jobs in home improvement industries by giving homeowners incentives to make upgrades. Grant awards were made based on city populations, and go directly from the federal government to local governments, Schmitt said Thursday.

Many municipalities are using the funds to complete energy upgrades for municipal buildings, traffic lights and in other areas — in many cases, improvements Green Bay already has made, Schmitt said. So city officials decided to focus on savings for the homeowner.

Free energy reviews & bonus incentives offered to WPS farm customers

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

(August 4, 2010)—Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) have teamed up to provide a new offer exclusively for farms in the WPS service area. WPS agribusiness customers with a home and farm located on the same property are now eligible to receive a free energy review and enhanced bonus incentives for implementing multiple energy efficiency
and/or renewable energy upgrades.

During the free energy review, a professional energy advisor will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of the agribusiness facility and a walk-through of the participant’s home to identify energy-saving opportunities, including renewable energy opportunities. Following the review, participants will receive a customized report outlining recommendations, information about financial incentives, and details on the new enhanced bonus incentives.

Bonus incentives for up to twice the standard Focus on Energy incentives are available after completing two or more energy efficiency and/or renewable upgrades on the property (farm and/or home). The more projects completed, the bigger the bonus.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Focus on Energy and schedule an energy review today. For more information, and to schedule a free energy review, please visit focusonenergy.com/wpsfarm, email wpsfarmbonus@focusonenergy.com or call 800.762.7077.

Seats still available on the Fond du Lac energy efficiency and renewable energy tour

From a news release issued by UW-Cooperative Extension, Fond du Lac County:

The public is invited to attend a Local Energy Tour on Saturday, July 31st from 8:30 am - noon organized by the Fond du Lac County and the Green Lake County UW-Extension offices.

Fond du Lac County businesses have made this area a unique place to learn about cutting edge energy technologies, and the tour allows participants a chance to see these technologies in action and learn what difference they are making in the financial, environmental, and social bottom lines of these companies. Participants will also discuss the land use consequences of energy production and ways to minimize the negative consequences and maximize the economic benefits.

This guided bus tour will visit:
• Mercury Marine
• Wildlife Acres subdivision
• Vir-Clar Dairy
• Cedar Ridge Wind Farm
• Pheasant Run
• a home with a geothermal pond system installed.

Energy use is a serious economic concern for our region, state, and nation.

• Wisconsin residents spent $22.5 billion in 2008 on imported fossil fuels. This amounts to $9000 per household.

• Unfortunately, it is the energy sources on which we are most dependent right now (coal, oil, & natural gas) that are becoming increasingly volatile in price and limited in availability around the world.

• The only energy expenditures that stay in-state is the amount spent on renewables, because that is the only type of energy we are able to produce locally.

• Only 4.5% of our total energy use in Wisconsin comes from renewable, locally-produced fuels.

A virtual tour including pictures, video, and fact sheets about the sites is available online at www.SustainFDLCounty.org.

Limited seating is available. The tour will begin at and return to Prairie Fest on the campus of UW-Fond du Lac, rain or shine. Email Diana.Tscheschlok@ces.uwex.edu or call 920.929.3173, 920.748.7565, or 920.324.2879 to register.

Bonus incentives and free energy reviews for WPS farm customers

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (July 6, 2010) - Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service have teamed up to provide a new offer exclusively for farms in the WPS service area. WPS agribusiness customers with a home and farm located on the same property are now eligible to receive a free energy review and enhanced bonus incentives for implementing multiple energy-efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades.

During the free energy review, a professional energy advisor will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of the agribusiness facility and a walk-through of the participant's home to identify energy-saving opportunities, including renewable energy opportunities. Following the review, participants will receive a customized report outlining recommendations, information about financial incentives, and details on the new enhanced bonus incentives.

Bonus incentives for up to twice the standard Focus on Energy incentives are available after completing two or more efficiency and/or renewable upgrades on the property (farm and/or home). The more projects completed, the bigger the bonus.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Focus on Energy and schedule an energy review today. For more information, and to schedule a free energy review, please visit focusonenergy.com/wps, e-mail wpsfarmbonus@focusonenergy.com or call 800.762.7077.