RENEW's winter newsletter goes online

The Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly, RENEW Wisconsin's newsletter, features these articles:

+ Rest in Peace: Cassville Generation Plant
+ Mississippi River Bird and Bat Study
+ Osceola School Heats Pools with Solar
+ Bob Ramlow: Solar Pioneer
+ Focus on Energy Issues Biogas Profiles
+ Focus on Energy Earns National Honor
+ State Plugs into Renewable Energy

Fcous on Energy encourages hospitality industry to go solar

From a letter sent to hospitality businesses by Focus on Energy:

Dear Wisconsin Hospitality Business:

As energy prices rise, now is a great time to discover the money-saving power of solar hot water.

A hospitality business like yours could save 50% or more on water-heating costs!

Solar hot water systems use energy from the sun to heat water for guest rooms, housekeeping, laundry facilities, food service, swimming pools and more. In many businesses, installing a solar hot water system can generate a positive cash flow almost immediately.

What can solar hot water do for your business?
+ Decrease your water-heating costs by 50% or more
+ Insulate your business from the rising cost of energy
+ Reduce pollution to help protect the environment
+ Enhance your reputation as an environmentally friendly business

For a real-world example of the benefits of solar hot water, click here for a case study that explains how Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells installed the state’s largest solar hot water system to save an expected $590,000 over 20 years.

Reduce your up-front costs with incentives from Focus on Energy.
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program, offers financial incentives to help you fund up to 25% of the installed cost of your system. Federal tax credits and depreciation are also available to save you even more. Together, these funds can pay for more than half of the total cost
of your system!

Start saving with solar hot water.
Find out why a solar hot water system is a smart and affordable business investment that can boost your bottom line for years to come. Call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com/solarhotel1 to learn more about the benefits of solar water heating—plus energy efficiency tips to help you save even more with this tried and proven renewable energy solution.

Find opportunities in supplying the wind industry, March 31, Appleton

Businesses with possible products or services for the wind industry could find new opportunities by attending the Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Seminar, March 31, 2009, Appleton, WI, produced by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA):

The wind energy industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, which is bringing major supply chain challenges to the industry while it aggressively “ramps up” domestic manufacturing of wind turbines and their components. As a result, there is significant opportunity for state and local governments, manufacturers and component suppliers across all industries to help feed the supply chain and grow their business.

This state-level seminar will focus on supply chain challenges and opportunities in the state of Wisconsin for companies looking to get involved in the supply of components and services to the wind energy industry. This state-level event is designed to focus on specific aspects for Wisconsin-based companies and to enable their entrance into the wind industry.

AWEA is presenting this workshop with the support of The New North, RENEW Wisconsin, We Energies, State of Wisconsin-Office of Energy Independence, Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

More details here.

USDA Renewable Energy for America Workshop, Feb. 10

From the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, USDA-Rural Development, UW-Extension Offices:

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AMERICA WORKSHOP
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.

Training Opportunities and Topics:
- General overview of the REAP Program
- Changes in the 2008 Farm Bill
- How to apply for a Grant
- Q & A

3 Convenient Ways to Attend:
1. Attend online webinar and teleconference
2. In person at Mid-State Technical College
3. Satellite sites are being hosted at UW- Extension Offices

Onsite Location:
Room L133
Mid-State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids

Host Locations:
See brochure

Presenters:
Brenda Heinen,USDA Rural Development
Mark Brodziski, USDA Rural Development

Registration:
See brochure

Questions:
Rural Development
4949 Kirschling Court
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-7610

Wind farm debate cranks up in state Legislature

From a story by Paul Snyder in The Daily Reporter:

A Madison environmental group wants the state, rather than local governments, to oversee wind farm placement after a five-year push for seven turbines in Manitowoc County failed.

“There should be legislation in the next few weeks,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of the nonprofit RENEW Wisconsin. “Our concern is that local control is being abused, and smaller, independent wind farm developers aiming at community-scaled projects will just be deterred from coming here.”

The Manitowoc Board of Adjustment last week rejected the latest request by Hubertus-based Emerging Energies LLP to build the seven-turbine farm, which would send 15 to 20 megawatts of electricity to the town of Mishicot. Orville Bonde, the board’s chairman, declined to comment on the rejection because, he said, Emerging Energies is planning to sue the county.

Representatives from the company could not be reached for comment before deadline Friday.

Manitowoc County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer called the rejection the latest of many disputes over the project between the county and the company.

“They argue that our ordinance is too restrictive,” he said. “We think it’s reasonable and was created in good faith. This isn’t the final say in the matter by any means.”

Manitowoc County’s ordinance, adopted in 2004, calls for a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from a turbine to a property line. It also contains a noise restriction that turbines cannot create sound five decibels more than ambient noise.

“What does that mean?” Vickerman said. “If you fire up a leaf blower, that shoots up the ambient noise level 25 decibels. Do you measure it over crickets? What about a dog barking?”

Vickerman said the rule is an example of the way wind farm ordinances have been abused since the state ruled in 1994 that local governments can approve or deny the projects if they generate less than 100 megawatts.

A bill to create statewide regulation of all wind farm projects, regardless of energy output, failed to make it out of committee in the last session and could be hotly contested if it re-emerges this year.

Vickerman said state Sen. Jeff Plale, D-South Milwaukee, who led the Senate charge for the bill last year, likely will lead it again this year.

Wisconsin Electric providers meeting or exceeding renewable energy standards

From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission:

MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) today announced that all 118 Wisconsin electric providers have met their renewable portfolio standards for 2007, 111 providers have exceeded the requirements for the year, and most are well on their way to meeting their increased obligations.

One key provision in 2005 Wisconsin Act 141 was an increase in the renewable portfolio standard, requiring Wisconsin retail electric providers to produce 10% of their electricity from renewable resources by the year 2015. For the years leading to 2015, Wisconsin utilities are required to report their progress in meeting the renewable milestones to the PSC. In 2007, Wisconsin utilities generated 114% of the 2007 requirement and as a result have excess renewable energy credits to use in the future.

“Although there are many challenges ahead, this report shows that Wisconsin is staying on a steady course to reaching Governor Doyle’s renewable energy goals,” said Chairperson Eric Callisto. “I commend the state’s electric utilities for their commitment to meeting Act 141 requirements, especially the nine utilities who have already met 2010 standards. I encourage utilities to continue their efforts and look forward to reviewing more proposed renewable projects in the future. . . .”

Currently, Wisconsin utilities generate about four percent of the state’s electricity from renewable resources – just under half of the requirements for the year 2015. In the past year, the PSC has approved several projects which will significantly increase renewable generation in the state, leading Wisconsin down the path of energy independence.

WPL (Alliant) may raise rates

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

If you're a Wisconsin Power & Light customer, you may soon pay more for electricity.

WPL is expected to file an emergency request with state regulators for permission to raise rates. Just last month, the Madison utility company agreed to hold electric rates steady for 2009 and reduce natural-gas rates by $4 million.

The reason: the recession.

WPL is losing millions of dollars in revenues that had been pouring in when business was booming and factories were busy. Now, the General Motors plant in Janesville is down to a few dozen workers and the Domtar paper mill at Port Edwards is closed. Both were among WPL's top 10 power users.

Throughout southern Wisconsin, untold numbers of businesses are paring production and staff. That means less electricity is being used and WPL is collecting less money.

"We are sharing the pain being felt across our service territory," Bill Harvey, chairman and chief executive of WPL's parent company, Alliant Energy, told a conference call with analysts in December.

WPL won't say how much electricity GM and Domtar had been using but said that together, the price they paid for power amounted to 1 percent of the utility's revenues.

Harvey projected WPL's sales this year will be 6.4 percent, or $30 million, lower than those anticipated in the recent rate settlement, which was based on 2007 figures. "Because of this significant downward shift in forecasts, we will likely file an emergency rate case," he told analysts. . . .

Madison Gas & Electric and Milwaukee-based We Energies said they have no plans to seek a rate boost based on recession-impaired revenues. But both of those utilities have discussed the possibility of seeking increases to help meet pension costs.

Wausau Paper gets $343,274 for energy saving initiatives

From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:

Madison, Wis. (January 20, 2009) — Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, awarded Wausau Paper Corporation $343,274 in 2008 to launch energy saving efforts at its Wisconsin mills.

The cash incentives were used at the Brokaw, Mosinee and Rhinelander locations and will help save more than 3,683,717 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 973,313 therms of natural gas annually – saving enough energy to power 1,370 homes for a year. Wausau Paper will also benefit from a $1,097,000 savings on its utility bills each year.

“We have a measurable reduction in energy use,” said Tim Hasbargen, manager of engineering and utilities at Wausau Paper’s Rhinelander mill. “Our meters tell us that every month.”

A large portion of the funding was used to investigate new technologies and find ways to save energy throughout the company. For example, the Rhinelander mill downsized a pump and motor, then controlled the motor with a variable speed drive. Replacing oversized equipment is an effective way to save energy and money.

“Wausau Paper and Focus on Energy have a long history of working together,” said Ken Williams, director for Focus on Energy’s Business Programs. “The company is committed to saving energy any way it can, as fast as it can. It is one of the outstanding leaders in the paper industry.”

With the help of Focus on Energy, the paper manufacturer is researching additional ways to save energy and improve its bottom line. It has completed a number of feasibility studies on air ventilation, tank agitators, compressed air, dryer improvements, heat recovery, vacuum and hydro improvements to determine which measures would deliver the best return on investment.

Residents start group to push for energy independence

From an article by Nick Halter in the Wausau Daily Herald:

Mike Ritzel's vision of central Wisconsin is one that involves the Wausau area attracting a large manufacturer of solar power systems that creates jobs and sells its products all over the Midwest.

Ritzel's passion for alternative energy propelled him to start a local chapter of the Pickens Plan, a national organization that was founded in July and aims to gain U.S. independence from foreign oil.

The Pickens Plan was founded by Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens and advocates for increased use of wind, natural gas and other forms of alternative energy.

Through the local chapter, Ritzel, a master electrician who also owns Bullshooters Saloon in Weston, hopes to get legislators to offer tax incentives for alternative energy companies to make central Wisconsin their home.

Lunchtime workshp: Green Business—Are You Ready?, Rothchild, Jan. 21

Presented by the Energy Center of Wisconsin
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lodge at Cedar Creek
805 Creske Avenue
Rothschild, WI 54474
715.241.6300

Agenda
11:30 am—Registration & Lunch
12:00 noon—Presentation
1:00 pm—Question & Answer
1:30 pm—Adjourn

Media coverage around energy and environmental issues exploded over the past year. Sustainability considerations factor into more business decisions as companies green their supply chains and roll out new, eco-friendly products. Major policy initiatives at the federal and state level in Wisconsin will help push what has been called "the green industrial revolution." What does all this mean for economic development here in Wisconsin? What opportunities should you be considering in your business planning? What are the benefits of greener choices at work and at home? Join us for a lively look at top trends in sustainable business-and discuss cost savings, brand enhancement and the policy climate to help you position your company for new opportunity.

Register here.

Wausau H.S. gets $400,000 for turbine project

From an article in the Wausau Daily Herald:

Members of the Wausau School Board on Monday approved a $400,000 donation for the Wausau East High School wind turbine project.

Members voted 5-0 in favor of accepting the donation, which came from the Walter Alexander Foundation. It will cover most of the estimated $575,000 in project costs.

District officials plan to install two wind turbines on the southeast corner of the Wausau East campus.

The turbines will stand more than 150 feet high and could be operational by next summer, East science teacher Lauren Ebbecke said.

Marshfield among governments and groups getting energy independence grants

From a media release issued by Governor Doyle:

MADISON - Governor Doyle announced today a major investment in Wisconsin communities working toward energy independence and a clean energy future. To assist local efforts, Governor Doyle awarded over $400,000 in grants to 23 community groups working to create a “25x25” Plan to meet the Governor’s goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.

“Wisconsin Energy Independent Communities are critical leaders in the state’s efforts to clean our air and water, create jobs, and save money for our communities,” Governor Doyle said. “I am confident that this investment will help create a clean energy roadmap that will boost energy efficiency, expand renewable energy use, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and save taxpayers money.”

The Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Governor Doyle’s ambitious goal for the state to become the nation’s leader in the drive toward energy independence. The partnership includes counties, cities, villages, towns, tribes, and schools in the state that have committed to Governor Doyle’s “25x25” challenge. Currently, there are over 70 communities committed to Governor Doyle’s challenge, with over 250 more communities interested in participating.

The 2009 Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership pilot communities are: Brown County, Oneida Tribe, City of Washburn, City of Ashland, City of Bayfield, Town of La Pointe, Town of Bayfield, Ashland County, Bayfield County, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Village of Osceola, Osceola School District, City of Marshfield, City of Columbus, City of Evansville, City of Platteville, City of Lancaster, the City of Oconomowoc, Town of Fairfield, Village of Spring Green, Town of Spring Green, and the River Valley School District.

UWSP turns toward turbine

From an article by Nick Paulson in the Steven Point Journal:

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is taking the first step in a plan to place a wind turbine on its radio tower.

Last week, the Student Government Association received the go-ahead from administrators to conduct a wind assessment.

The tower, located west of Stevens Point on County Highway PP, is owned by the university and used by WWSP 90FM, the student-run radio station. With the height, it's a prime location.

"I think what is driving this is the location; it is the second-highest point in Portage County," said John Gosz, 90FM's faculty adviser.

Now with administrative approval, SGA President Katie Kloth will complete the application for the assessment, then request the $600 it will cost through the SGA Finance Committee.

All money coming from the Sustainability Reserve must be approved by the Finance Committee.

Kloth and Gosz say they aren't sure the turbine will be feasible, but they need to know whether there is enough wind to make continued investigation worthwhile.

"We might as well look," Kloth said.

Leverage will move The Natural Step ahead

From a letter to the editor by Marty Anderson in the Marshfield News Herald:

In my capacity as chairman of the Sustainable Marshfield Committee, I've had the opportunity to present throughout central Wisconsin about sustainability principles. In each presentation, I begin by defining what sustainability is, because the word is often overused and not well defined when it is used.

Put simply, sustainability is defined as living and working in ways that do not jeopardize our current and future social, environmental and economic resources. In other words, we can't take away from the ability of future generations to have a standard of living similar or better than our own conditions today.

In February 2007, the city of Marshfield approved a resolution to become one of the first sustainable communities in the state. In doing so, we also adopted the sustainability framework called The Natural Step, originally founded in Sweden by Dr. Karl Henrik Robèrt in 1989. The Natural Step is made up of four basic principles:

• Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels and extracted underground metals and minerals.

• Reduce dependence on chemicals and other manufactured substances that can accumulate in nature.

• Reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems.

• Meet the hierarchy of present and future human needs fairly and efficiently.

These principles are purposely general in their scope. Dr. Robèrt was trying to create a vision for a sustainable definition that everyone can agree with and support. In addition, it gives those working on implementing sustainability a litmus test to determine if what they are doing is moving their community towards sustainability.

Anderson, a former alderman and the current chairman of the Sustainable Marshfield Committee, be reached by e-mail at mande047@solarus.net.

Stevens Point must consider the end of cheap oil (peak oil)

From a letter to the editor by Bobby Gifford:

In print we recently heard from a member of the Stevens Point Plan Commission regarding the pace of planning for downtown, including the mall. We need to look not at the pace of planning, but at the assumptions of planning and how they square with our new economic reality.

A key component of the mall plan is spending over $2 million on parking spaces. It appears that PDI, the paid consultants we are using in Point, are unaware of the peak oil problem, or ignore it. It seems that most planning in our region is based on the assumption that cheap oil and gas will persist far into the future.

The global peak of oil production is still here. The global economic collapse has not increased global petroleum supply. Instead, crashing petroleum prices are driving supply capacity from the market. The next upswing in crude oil and natural gas prices will be a brake on recovery.

Our recovery from global recession will be very slow. The retail sector as we know it is probably already history.

Our Plan Commission and local sustainability groups need to be on the same page. Local elected officials need to consistently consult with local sustainability activists such as Farmshed, Sustain Central Wisconsin, Eco-municipality committees, UWSP, students, and the Interfaith Council for the Earth and read all available sustainability literature.

Gifford offered these Web sites for research:
http://www.energybulletin.net
http://www.peakoil.net
http://www.theoildrum.com
http://aspo-usa.com
http://www.simmonsco-intl.com/research.aspx?Type=msspeeches

Clark Electric Cooperative joins Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program

From an article in the Wausau Daily Herald:

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative has announced that Clark Electric Cooperative officially became a program member as of Jan. 1.

The utility serves about 8,800 customers in Clark, Chippewa, Jackson, Marathon, Taylor and Wood counties.

“Clark Electric Cooperative’s decision to participate in Focus on Energy will result in a healthier environment for Wisconsin and will provide options for its customers to make sound energy decisions,” said Eric Callisto, chairman of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the agency that manages the Focus on Energy program.

Clark Electric will participate in the business, residential and renewable energy offerings under the Focus on Energy umbrella. Benefits of participating include:

• Business programs that help manufacturers, commercial businesses, farmers, schools and local governments reduce operating costs, increase their bottom line and improve productivity and employee and customer comfort.

• Wisconsin Energy Star Homes, a program that helps homeowners and landlords integrate energy improvements in their remodeling projects.

• Lighting and appliance programs that increase the availability of Energy Star-qualified products, ranging from compact fluorescent light bulbs to heating and cooling equipment.

• Renewable energy programs that help residents and businesses harness energy from sunlight, wind and organic materials.

What will we win this year?

From the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters:

Join Us For CONSERVATION LOBBY DAY 2009!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - RSVP here!
*RSVP Required—RSVP DEADLINE is February 13!
Since the first Conservation Lobby Day in 2005, it has grown from just over 100 citizens to over 500! Each year these citizens from across Wisconsin descend on the Capitol to share their conservation values with their Legislators. As we head into the 5th annual Conservation Lobby Day, there is one thing we can guarantee-when citizens come together to make their conservation values known, legislators listen, and conservation victories soon follow!

The reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the passage of the Strong Great Lakes Compact are two great examples of how citizen lobbying resulted in ground-breaking conservation laws.

The participation of local groups and citizens like YOU is incredibly important to the success of Conservation Lobby Day. Every day throughout the state, countless citizens work tirelessly to protect the local land, water, and wildlife.

Conservation Lobby Day is a unique opportunity to share your conservation stories and experiences with legislators and have a huge impact on conservation policies affecting all of Wisconsin.

In 2009-2010, the conservation community will be fighting to:

Preserve Groundwater: Wisconsin's Buried Treasure: manage Wisconsin's groundwater resources to preserve drinking water supplies, lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Stop Global Warming in Wisconsin: address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation.

Restore Conservation Integrity: return Wisconsin to an Independent DNR Secretary and a timely appointment of Natural Resource Board members.

Protect Wisconsin's Drinking Water: protect Wisconsin's drinking water supplies by making sure we safely spread agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste.

For a 1-page brief on each of these issues, click on their title above.

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools upgrades save energy

From a the first of two articles by Adam Wise in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune:

Note: This is the first of a two-part report on how the Wisconsin Rapids School District is spending money that residents approved in a 2006 referendum. The second story will appear Friday.

Wisconsin Rapids School District leaders plan to cope with rising utility costs by increasing energy efficiency with money approved through the referendum process.

A little more than two years ago, residents in the district approved a four-question, approximately $10 million referendum for building, technology and curriculum upgrades.

With most of the money -- about $8.3 million -- slated for district facilities, Buildings and Grounds Director Tom Helgestad and staff members developed a three-year plan to conduct a majority of the work during the district's summer breaks.

As an example of the upgrades, Helgestad said the district achieved an almost 45 percent decrease in natural gas usage at Grove Elementary School after replacing the old heating system.

"Because of the age of the equipment, our infrastructure and heating systems were between 50 and 60 years old," said Helgestad, specifically referring to Howe, Mead, and Grove elementary schools. "They were at the end of their life; parts were unavailable. We had to retrofit to keep things going."

Wisconsin Rapids School Board members have been receiving periodic updates from Helgestad regarding the progress of the three-year plan.

"We're actually going to be able to save even though the prices have gone up," board member Mary Rayome said.