From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Marshfield News Herald:
Mike Anderson retired from corporate life several years ago to a big house he didn't need and a desire to live free. That included how he got his electricity.
"What can we do to minimize our impact?" Anderson, 60, said of he and his wife's desire to pursue alternative energy.
Today, he powers and heats the home he built in the town of Marathon largely by sun and wind. It's a transition that includes major costs and logistical challenges, but also long-term benefits to everyone, experts and residents who use alternative energy say.
In Anderson's case, his solar panel and wind turbine cost about $30,000 and $70,000, respectively. Mike Ritzel, owner of Bullshooters Saloon in Weston, wants to install similar systems at his business, but said upfront costs make it difficult.
"Cost is the prohibitive thing," he said.
There are government incentives and rebates available. That's partially how Anderson paid for his systems, but Ritzel said elected officials need to provide more funding and fewer restrictions.
Weston committee approves ordinance for wind generators
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Wind
From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Wausau Daily Herald:
WESTON -- The village Plan Commission on Monday approved an ordinance identifying wind as "an abundant, renewable and nonpolluting energy resource" to respond to growing interest among local businesses.
The Village Board could consider establishing rules on wind turbines at its meeting next Monday.
Jennifer Higgins, community development director and zoning administrator, said the village does not prohibit energy windmills but needs an ordinance to define what's acceptable.
"Right now, we don't have anything," she said.
The ordinance would permit "small wind energy systems" that have a capacity of 100 kilowatts or fewer and are no more than 170 feet tall.
At least three businesses -- Applied Laser Technologies, K&M Electric and Bullshooters Saloon -- are exploring wind energy as an option.
Chris Osswald, president of ALT, a metal fabrication shop, said a wind turbine would allow his company to address environmental concerns and potentially save money.
"It's important to how we do things," he said.
Mike Ritzel, an estimator and electrician with K&M, is exploring wind as an energy resource on behalf of the company. He's also considering Bullshooters, of which he is an owner, as a possible site to help encourage community interest as electric rates continue to rise.
"Nothing ever goes in reverse," he said of energy costs.
WESTON -- The village Plan Commission on Monday approved an ordinance identifying wind as "an abundant, renewable and nonpolluting energy resource" to respond to growing interest among local businesses.
The Village Board could consider establishing rules on wind turbines at its meeting next Monday.
Jennifer Higgins, community development director and zoning administrator, said the village does not prohibit energy windmills but needs an ordinance to define what's acceptable.
"Right now, we don't have anything," she said.
The ordinance would permit "small wind energy systems" that have a capacity of 100 kilowatts or fewer and are no more than 170 feet tall.
At least three businesses -- Applied Laser Technologies, K&M Electric and Bullshooters Saloon -- are exploring wind energy as an option.
Chris Osswald, president of ALT, a metal fabrication shop, said a wind turbine would allow his company to address environmental concerns and potentially save money.
"It's important to how we do things," he said.
Mike Ritzel, an estimator and electrician with K&M, is exploring wind as an energy resource on behalf of the company. He's also considering Bullshooters, of which he is an owner, as a possible site to help encourage community interest as electric rates continue to rise.
"Nothing ever goes in reverse," he said of energy costs.
Manure digester summit set for
January 13
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
Digesters
From the announcement of the Manure Digester Summit:
Whether you have less than a 100-head herd or a large herd, digesters can work for you. Come to the seminar to hear how Dane County and Richland County are using community digesters as well as how to implement a manure digester on a 50-head farm.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
9:30AM -3:00PM
Room B-30 West Square Building
505 Broadway
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Cost: $20.00 and includes lunch
Whether you have less than a 100-head herd or a large herd, digesters can work for you. Come to the seminar to hear how Dane County and Richland County are using community digesters as well as how to implement a manure digester on a 50-head farm.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
9:30AM -3:00PM
Room B-30 West Square Building
505 Broadway
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Cost: $20.00 and includes lunch
$2.5 million available in grants for Fuels for Schools and Communities
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
Wood
From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 8, 2008) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today the inception of a new renewable energy program called Fuels for Schools & Communities. The new program is meant to help Wisconsin schools and communities save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood or other biomass.
"Schools and local governments today are feeling squeezed by energy prices. This new program will allow interested school districts and local governments, especially in the north and southwest portions of the state, the ability to adopt biomass technology as a cost effective and environmentally responsible solution to increasing energy costs," said Don Wichert, director for Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program.
The new program offers interested schools and communities pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies at no cost and up to $250,000 toward the implementation of a biomass system. The program complements Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle's strategy to strengthen Wisconsin's energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency and improving the environment.
A recent study funded by Focus on Energy and conducted by the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), "Heating with Biomass: A Feasibility Study of Wisconsin Schools Heated with Wood," found that as many as 25 percent of Wisconsin schools could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood, or other biomass. Biomass, a renewable resource, typically consists of clean wood chips, wood pellets, switchgrass or other agricultural based pellets. This is a significant finding considering Wisconsin schools spend close to $200 million a year on energy costs.
The study concludes that the annual energy costs from wood biomass systems could be 29 percent to 57 percent less expensive than natural gas and save schools between $53,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on current fuel prices. The study included case studies from Barron, Hayward, Shell Lake and Rice Lake, Wis., high schools.
MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 8, 2008) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today the inception of a new renewable energy program called Fuels for Schools & Communities. The new program is meant to help Wisconsin schools and communities save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood or other biomass.
"Schools and local governments today are feeling squeezed by energy prices. This new program will allow interested school districts and local governments, especially in the north and southwest portions of the state, the ability to adopt biomass technology as a cost effective and environmentally responsible solution to increasing energy costs," said Don Wichert, director for Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program.
The new program offers interested schools and communities pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies at no cost and up to $250,000 toward the implementation of a biomass system. The program complements Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle's strategy to strengthen Wisconsin's energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency and improving the environment.
A recent study funded by Focus on Energy and conducted by the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), "Heating with Biomass: A Feasibility Study of Wisconsin Schools Heated with Wood," found that as many as 25 percent of Wisconsin schools could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood, or other biomass. Biomass, a renewable resource, typically consists of clean wood chips, wood pellets, switchgrass or other agricultural based pellets. This is a significant finding considering Wisconsin schools spend close to $200 million a year on energy costs.
The study concludes that the annual energy costs from wood biomass systems could be 29 percent to 57 percent less expensive than natural gas and save schools between $53,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on current fuel prices. The study included case studies from Barron, Hayward, Shell Lake and Rice Lake, Wis., high schools.
Almost 3,000 CFL bulbs distributed in regional sustainability project
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Energy efficiency
A short article from the Stevens Point Journal:
More than 2,900 compact fluorescent light bulbs were distributed through the “CFL and Vote!” project by The Eco-Municipality of Stevens Point, Sustainable Stockton and the Commission for a Greener Tomorrow.
More than 700 people who received a free CFL had never used one before, and 565 people signed up to get the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter during this project.
More than 2,900 compact fluorescent light bulbs were distributed through the “CFL and Vote!” project by The Eco-Municipality of Stevens Point, Sustainable Stockton and the Commission for a Greener Tomorrow.
More than 700 people who received a free CFL had never used one before, and 565 people signed up to get the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter during this project.
MREA supports rules to require certified installers on solar electric projects
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Solar
Two visitors at the MREA Energy Fair in June 2008 check out a solar oven on display in front of the MREA's solar training structure.
From a statement of the Board of Directors of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) concerning proposed rulemaking by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce regarding Act 63, relating to a state electrical wiring code; regulation of electricians, electrical contractors, and electrical inspectors:
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) would like to point out that it is in the best interests of the people of Wisconsin for the Department of Commerce to take steps to ensure that renewable energy systems that generate electricity:
1. are installed in a safe and reliable manner;
2. are properly & efficiently configured to maximize energy production, and equipment lifespan;
3. are not unduly burdened with unnecessary labor and installation costs. . . .
Based on the collective experience of the solar professionals at the MREA, the best way to ensure the safety of Wisconsin’s citizens (with respect to solar electric systems) would be for the Department of Commerce to require that all solar electric systems be installed by NABCEP certified installers or persons who are legitimately in the final stages of NABCEP certification as recognized by the Wisconsin Focus On Energy program. We believe that requirements of Act 63 can be fulfilled by having a licensed electrician make the final connection to the AC power system.
Our many years of experience have shown that the Department could allow NABCEP certification to suffice for the installation and connection of solar electric systems without any compromise to the safety of the people of Wisconsin, if Act 63 allowed such leeway.
Installation of safe and reliable small wind power systems (up to 100 kW), also requires a very specialized set of skills that are not taught to electricians. Unfortunately, NAPCEP certification does not yet exist for the installers of small scale wind systems, although it is likely that a certification system will be in place by 2010. When this certification standard is available, Department of Commerce adoption of this standard will be the best route to ensuring safely installed small wind systems. Presently, utility-scale wind systems usually are installed in custom engineered systems by licensed electricians, but utility-owned systems are already exempt from Act 63.
Four steps to slow climate change
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Climate change,
Energy efficiency,
General
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
STEVENS POINT -- The average American has gained 10 pounds in the past decade, and the extra weight is helping cause climate change.
"What that means is that the airlines that crisscross this country burn 350 million more gallons of jet fuel every year, schlepping around that extra weight," said Terry Tamminen. "If all of us, myself included, would lose that 10 pounds, the planet would be better off and so would we."
The idea may be a little harsh, but it is the kind of forward thinking Tamminen is known for and has helped him land some of the most prestigious climate jobs in the country. He has worked as the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Thursday night was part of a conference call with the transition team for President-elect Barack Obama.
Tamminen was Friday morning's keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Climate Change Summit at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
From ideas such as his weight loss theory to broader changes like converting 1.2 million buildings nationwide to more efficient systems, Tamminen shared four steps he believes will stimulate the economy and create a more sustainable country: renewables, efficiency, markets and democracy.
STEVENS POINT -- The average American has gained 10 pounds in the past decade, and the extra weight is helping cause climate change.
"What that means is that the airlines that crisscross this country burn 350 million more gallons of jet fuel every year, schlepping around that extra weight," said Terry Tamminen. "If all of us, myself included, would lose that 10 pounds, the planet would be better off and so would we."
The idea may be a little harsh, but it is the kind of forward thinking Tamminen is known for and has helped him land some of the most prestigious climate jobs in the country. He has worked as the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Thursday night was part of a conference call with the transition team for President-elect Barack Obama.
Tamminen was Friday morning's keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Climate Change Summit at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
From ideas such as his weight loss theory to broader changes like converting 1.2 million buildings nationwide to more efficient systems, Tamminen shared four steps he believes will stimulate the economy and create a more sustainable country: renewables, efficiency, markets and democracy.
Central Wisconsin villages, city review ordinances to deal with wind, solar power
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Solar,
Vehicles,
Wind
From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Wausau Daily Herald:
Alternative energy is something officials in the Wausau area say they want to encourage among residents, but properly regulating such technology remains uncharted territory.
From wind turbines to solar panels to electric cars, enabling the use of alternative energy comes with benefits and challenges.
Kelly Warren, a volunteer with Wausau's Commission for a Greener Tomorrow, said energy alternatives only will be feasible if people and government scale back consumption.
"The first thing should always be to conserve," he said.
In the meantime, local governments are addressing the issue to varying degrees.
Weston's Village Board could consider an ordinance Monday that identifies wind as an important resource while placing height and other restrictions on turbines.
Administrator Dean Zuleger wants the village to foster such alternatives, possibly by using money from business development districts.
"You have to be willing to be forward-thinking with those folks in the business community that want to give that a shot," Zuleger said.
Alternative energy is something officials in the Wausau area say they want to encourage among residents, but properly regulating such technology remains uncharted territory.
From wind turbines to solar panels to electric cars, enabling the use of alternative energy comes with benefits and challenges.
Kelly Warren, a volunteer with Wausau's Commission for a Greener Tomorrow, said energy alternatives only will be feasible if people and government scale back consumption.
"The first thing should always be to conserve," he said.
In the meantime, local governments are addressing the issue to varying degrees.
Weston's Village Board could consider an ordinance Monday that identifies wind as an important resource while placing height and other restrictions on turbines.
Administrator Dean Zuleger wants the village to foster such alternatives, possibly by using money from business development districts.
"You have to be willing to be forward-thinking with those folks in the business community that want to give that a shot," Zuleger said.
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