Coal Critic Coming to Madison to Speak on Effective Renewable Energy Advocacy, January 13, 2012

For immediate release
December 7, 2011

More information
Michael Vickerman
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org

Leslie Glustrom, research director of Colorado-based Clean Energy Action, and an unwavering critic of utility reliance on coal for electricity generation, will be the featured speaker at RENEW Wisconsin’s Energy Policy Summit.

The Summit will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012, at the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Pyle Center located on the UW-Madison campus. Summit attendees will spend the day discussing and selecting renewable energy strategies that make sense in the current political environment in Wisconsin. More information on the Summit can be found on the RENEW Wisconsin website at http://www.renewwisconsin.org.

As research director, Glustrom authored in 2009 an extensively referenced report on U.S. coal supplies titled, “Coal—Cheap and Abundant—Or Is It? Why Americans Should Stop Assuming that the US has a 200-Year Supply of Coal,” available for free at http://www.cleanenergyaction.org.

Since 2009, Glustrom has traveled to numerous states helping them to understand the likely constraints on their coal supplies.

Glustrom’s on-going research illuminates a future in which coal prices will likely continue to escalate, driven by a combination of less accessible coal supplies, increasing demand from Asian countries, and rising diesel fuel costs for hauling coal to distant markets like Wisconsin.

Clean Energy Action is spearheading a campaign to shut down Colorado’s coal-fired power plants and replace them with locally generated renewable electricity.

“Leslie’s experiences with Clean Energy Action can help Wisconsin renewable energy advocates formulate effective strategies for 2012 and beyond,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide sustainable energy advocacy organization headquartered in Madison.

“Even though Colorado is a coal-producing state, it has adopted some of the most aggressive policies in the country for advancing renewable energy,” said Vickerman. “Colorado’s commitment to clean energy is driving its economy at a time when its coal output is diminishing. For example, Vestas, the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines with four plants employing 1,700 people in Colorado, supplied 90 turbines this year to Wisconsin’s largest wind project, the Glacier Hills Wind Park in Columbia County.”

“Leslie will inspire us to reverse the retreat from renewables and retake the initiative going forward,” Vickerman said.

In Boulder, Glustrom was part of the team that led the successful 2010 and 2011 ballot initiatives allowing Boulder to move ahead with plans to municipalize and break away from the long term commitment to coal plants made by their incumbent utility, Xcel Energy.

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Wisconsin Focus on Energy Debuts New Homes Program

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

New program addresses energy-efficiency and quality-control needs specific to Wisconsin homes

(April 13, 2011) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, recently debuted the Focus on Energy New Homes Program. The program pairs Wisconsin builders with leading energy experts in order to construct new homes that are safer, more durable, and are 10 to 100 percent more efficient than typical homes built to the state’s Uniform Dwelling Code. Builders throughout Wisconsin can enroll in the program, and prospective homebuyers can work with participating builders to choose one of four levels of efficiency.

ENERGY STAR® Roots – An Evolution for Wisconsin Homes
Focus’ New Homes Program is a natural progression from the national ENERGY STAR Homes Program that Focus sponsored locally in the past. When the ENERGY STAR Homes Program overhauled its criteria in 2010, Focus collaborated with state builders to determine if the changes were appropriate for Wisconsin.

“When the new ENERGY STAR requirements were released, we realized that while they provided some great general building standards, not all criteria addressed the unique needs of Wisconsin homeowners,” said Sara Van de Grift, residential programs director for Focus on Energy.

“A home in Wisconsin isn’t going to need the same features as a home in California. This is why we created the Focus New Homes Program, to provide a customized, cost-effective option for Wisconsin residents looking to build safe, smart, energy-efficient homes.”

With builder support, Focus decided to forego ENERGY STAR requirements that weren’t applicable to Wisconsin homeowners, and instead develop standards that could yield superior energy savings at a more affordable price. For example, the following are just a few of the Focus on Energy New Homes Program requirements that homeowners will benefit from:

Air tightness. Air leaking into and out-of a home is major source of energy loss and can make a home feel drafty and uncomfortable. Homes certified by Focus’ New Homes Program must meet a stringent air tightness standard, dramatically reducing uncontrolled air leakage.

Whole house ventilation. Because the home is air tight, it is important to manage its indoor air quality. This is why whole house ventilation is required in a home certified by the Focus New Homes Program. The program has adopted the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 62.2, allowing a homeowner the ability to manage their home’s indoor air quality.

Space heating and water heating design standard. Because homes certified by Focus’ New Home Program have such strict requirements when it comes to air tightness and ventilation standards, as a safety precaution, the program does not allow atmospherically ventilated space heating or water heating appliances. Reason, in a home that is more air tight the ventilation fans can cause an atmospherically ventilated combustion appliance such as a natural gas water heater or furnace to back draft, drawing carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products into a home.

Dorms at UWSP hope to go green with envy

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

STEVENS POINT -- The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is using competitions as a way to engage students in plans to reduce energy use across the campus.

Students in residence halls currently are competing in two contests -- one in energy and one in recycling -- that, in addition to offering prizes, organizers hope will teach students sustainable practices that will stick long after graduation.

UWSP has been exposing students to green living for years through more passive measures such as a "greenest dorm room." But by appealing to students' competitive natures and bringing whole residence halls together, contest organizers hope to engage students who otherwise wouldn't care.

"Wherever there is that added support, you see an increase in participation," said Cindy Von Gnechten, facilities designer for UWSP Residential Living. "Obviously, we want to educate them, but the biggest thing is to carry that with you as you go beyond the residence halls."

One competition, created internally, will pit residence halls against one another to see which one can cut its February energy usage the most, compared with a baseline from November. The hall with the biggest reduction will win three grand prizes.

Students also can be caught doing something green to be entered into a weekly raffle for environmentally friendly prizes.

UWSP residence halls also are participating in a national recycling contest, RecycleMania, in which universities across North America compete to decrease trash and increase recycling.

Magic Energy

From Madison Gas and Electric:

It's magic when kids can learn... and laugh! That's the goal of the MaGicEnergy show. For years, performer Bob Kann has taken the program into schools and libraries throughout the area.

Watch the story to see how Bob uses magic and comedy to entertain and inspire! See why audiences walk away armed with specific tools to conserve energy and protect the environment.

Interested in bringing MaGicEnergy to your school or library? Click here and tell us about your group.

Marshfield renewable energy plan just 7 percent under goal

From an article by Molly Newman in the Marshfield News-Herald:

A report released Friday [July 2] by Energy Center of Wisconsin showed Marshfield is already set to complete 93 percent of its goal as one of 10 pilot programs in Wisconsin's "25x25" challenge.

The 25x25 plan was proposed in 2009 as a way for the state to attain its goal of generating 25 percent of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2025.

Marty Anderson, chair of the city's Sustainable Marshfield committee, said the group came up with 16 projects to reduce energy consumption. These included solar collection and geothermal energy use in city buildings, conversion of the non-emergency fleet to hybrid vehicles and purchasing 25 percent renewable electricity from Marshfield Utilities.

"We tried to put in (the plan) projects that we thought had a reasonable likelihood of being completed," Anderson said.

About 30 percent of the energy consumption goal will be met by projects that have already been implemented or are included on the city's five-year plan, Anderson said. For example, the new fire station integrated several energy-efficient features.

According to Sean Weitner, author of the Energy Center report, Marshfield also proposed installation of a $12 million, 38 megawatt wind farm, a project that was not included in the 93 percent indicator because it would cost more than five times the current total energy budget.

Keep working to reduce need for oil

From an editorial in the Sheboygan Press:
We don't yet know the final solution to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, so we surely don't know the final cost of the cleanup and the restoration of the fishery and the beaches.

But what we should know by now is that offshore oil drilling will have to be more closely monitored in the future. We should also know that we have to make a deeper commitment to reducing our dependence on oil — foreign and domestic.

The Disaster in the Gulf, as the now nearly two-month-long oil spill is being called, should be the wake-up call of all wake-up calls. It should spark bold action — in the offshore drilling regulatory process and in weaning the U.S. from oil.

President George W. Bush said in 2006 that the U.S. was "addicted to oil." Yet today, we remain as hooked on oil and gas as we were then — and, like any addiction, it can be destructive. We are seeing its effect now in the Gulf of Mexico.

Although the U.S. needs to reduce its reliance on oil, there is no way to go "cold-turkey." Our economy relies heavily on transportation — delivery of goods and services and people getting to and from jobs.

Oil, along with coal and natural gas, is also used to generate electricity and heat our homes. Many of the consumer goods we use have a base in petroleum.


In recent years, due mainly to the slowdown in the nation's economy, the demand for oil has slowed in the U.S. It is still growing in much of the rest of the world, particularly China.

But rather than simply returning to oil as the main source of fuel, there needs to be a plan to move the U.S. economy forward while also reducing the use of oil. We're taking baby steps today to find alternative sources of fuel. It's time to think giant leaps forward.

Time Of Use Program can cut electricity costs

From a story by Brittany Earl on WSAW-TV, Wausau:

There are ways you can cut your electricity costs.

Wisconsin Public Service offers a variety of programs to help you save money.

For example the Time Of Use Program, helps people who use their electricity between 10PM and 7AM which are off peak hours. But you should always call in and speak to a representative first to make sure your lifestyle fits the program.

Kelly Zagrzebski of Wisconsin Public Service says, "You want to make sure your flexible, that you can do your laundry if you have an electric hot water heater during the off peak hours or if you have a electric heater."

If you stick to the off peak hours time frame, you could save between 5 and 20 percent, possibly even 50 percent if you're strict.

County takes steps toward energy efficiency

From an article by Cara Spoto in the Stevens Point Journal:

Hoping to reduce Portage County's carbon footprint and save a little money in the process, county leaders will start work this month on a strategic energy plan.

The Smart Energy Team, led by Portage County Executive Patty Dreier and County Board Chairman O. Philip Idsvoog, has a goal of having a plan in place by Dec. 1. Toward that end, the group has received $12,000 in capital improvement dollars, along with a $4,500 grant, which may be used to hire a consultant.

Jennifer Stewart, community development educator with the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Whiting, said the first phase of the planning process will largely consist of taking a snapshot of how much energy the county consumes and in what ways.

"What we have talked about doing at the first meeting is reviewing the scope of the committee's charge and start identifying first steps," Stewart said.

From there, the team will draw on the knowledge of experts and its members, including Planning and Zoning Director Jeff Schuler, Facilities Director Todd Neuenfeldt and the chairs of the finance and space and properties committee, to establish a set of goals for consumption, alternative energy use and conservation.

Options for achieving such goals could include retrofitting buildings, altering building operations, purchasing energy-efficient equipment, using alternative energy sources and educating employees.

Plover plant chosen for energy efficiency pilot program

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

A Plover food processing plant has been chosen as one of 50 companies to participate in a state pilot program to help manufacturers improve their next-generation initiatives.

Foremost Farms USA, which makes whey products at its Plover plant, will take part in a $1.75 million program run through the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

State energy auditors will canvass the Foremost plant to look for ways the company can save energy.

"Does it make sense to invest in a more energy-efficient system?" The company hopes to find out, communications director Joan Behr said. "We'll be able to tap the expertise of these folks."

After working with the auditors and determining what changes need to be made, each company will apply to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for the money to complete the sustainability initiatives.

Companies support clean energy jobs

From the home page of Governor Doyle:

Marshfield aims to decrease fossil fuel use

From an article by Liz Welter in the Marshfield News-Herald:

Marshfield city government and infrastructure could reduce its non-renewable energy consumption by 25 percent using a plan the Sustainable Marshfield Committee devised.

The proposed plan to achieve the 25 percent reduction isn't unanimously supported by Common Council members.

The council debated the plan last month prior to approving it 8-2 with Alderpersons Alanna Feddick and Ed Wagner voting no. The plan calculates the costs and savings to the city if projects are implemented from 2011 to 2025. . . .

The committee has identified potential cost-saving measures, but what to implement is the council's decision, Earll said.
The cost of some of the items would burden the city with long-term debt, Feddick said.

"My concern is that the price tag put on these blue sky or pie-in-the sky ideas will be paid for by our future generations.

"I'm all for recycling and protecting the environment, it's something my family has done for years, but we need to protect the taxpayers too," Feddick said.

The Marshfield 25x25 Plan for Energy Independence was the product of a grant initiated by Gov. Jim Doyle to demonstrate that communities throughout Wisconsin could reduce their dependence on fossil fuels 25 percent by 2025.

The committee has applied for another grant that would provide about $225,000 to implement some of the identified energy-saving measures, said Amy Peterson, a municipal planner who was contracted to assist the committee regarding the grants.
"If the city gets the (grant) and uses it along with the projects for the fire station (construction), they will be well on their way to meeting the 25 by 25 goal," she said.

Alliant Energy helps customers be "Power Thinkers"

From a news release issued by Alliant Energy:

New Web site connects customers to interactive tools and information
February 8, 2010 – Did you know that leaving a video game system on when not in use can cost you more than $145 per year in electricity costs? Did you know that turning your heat down five degrees before you go to bed each night could save you about $50 in heating costs this winter? Those that know the answers to these questions and are actively taking actions to reduce their energy costs and live a little greener are “Power Thinkers.” And, Alliant Energy is providing customers with a one-stop link of helpful resources and tools that help more people become Power Thinkers with a new Web site called powerthinkers.com.

Powerthinkers.com is a tool for customers searching for energy-saving ideas and other ways to live green. The site includes sections on saving money, smart living, renewable energy, energy-saving tips and interactive calculators. The interactive calculators are a special feature available to help customers see the impact of the actions they can take to save energy and accomplish real dollar savings. Customers can access the site by going directly to powerthinkers.com or via Alliant Energy’s main Web site at alliantenergy.com.

“A Power Thinker is someone who makes smart choices in how they live their lives; someone who looks for ways to save energy and make a positive impact on their budget and the environment.” says Linda Mattes, Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables at Alliant Energy. “Power Thinkers want answers, solutions and ideas, and Alliant Energy is pleased to provide a tool that makes those easily accessible to customers and others who are interested in learning more about living green.

Business leaders, labor, utilities, farmers, and conservationists hail Clean Energy Jobs Act bill

From a news release issued by Clean Wisconsin:

MADISON – Prominent business leaders, labor representatives, farmers, health advocates, faith leaders, energy providers, and environmentalists were among residents from across the state who gathered at a public hearing held in the State Capitol today to ask their elected leaders to support and strengthen the Clean Energy Jobs Act.

"The diversity of support for this legislation is overwhelming," said Ryan Schryver, Clean Energy Advocate at Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. "People from all walks of life gathered today to ask legislators to create jobs, clean our environment, protect our health, and support energy independence by passing this bill."

The Clean Energy Jobs Act holds the potential to be an economic boon for Wisconsin, creating demand for energy efficiency projects, putting residents to work harvesting wind and solar power, and creating markets for farmers to grow and sell biofuels.

According to an analysis performed by the Office of Energy Independence, the current version of the bill will create over 15,000 jobs for Wisconsinites in the construction and manufacturing industries alone. Strengthening the bill could lead to even greater job creation.

"We cannot afford to continue draining our economy by exporting billions on expensive, dirty fossil fuels," said Schryver. "Residents gathered today to say 'enough is enough' and demand that we create jobs and start investing in our own state by producing clean energy right here at home."

The Coalition for Clean Energy which includes Clean Wisconsin also made several suggested improvements to the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill:

+ Restore and protect the integrity of the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) (Renewable Portfolio Standard – RPS – in the current draft). . . .
+ Strengthening the language to ensure that Wisconsin does meet the 2 percent energyefficiency goal by requiring the Public Service Commission to direct efficiency investments necessary to reach that 2 percent goal. . . .
+ Increase the percentage of renewable energy that must be sited in Wisconsin to at least half of renewable energy generation required under the bill (i.e. 12.5% in 2025). . . .
+ Strengthen the Advanced Renewable Tariff (ART) language by making it apply statewide
and by including a statewide minimum MW cap and a minimum project size cap. . . .

Read all of the recommendations.

The coalition also includes Wisconsin Council of Churches, Citizens Utility Board, Wisconsin Community Action Program (WisCAP), Environmental Law & Policy Center; Environment Wisconsin, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.

Free energy assessments offered for small industrial facilities in Wausau area

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

(January 13, 2009)—Focus on Energy, in partnership with Wisconsin
Public Service, is offering free energy assessments to eligible small industrial businesses in the WPS service territory. Assessments will be conducted Jan. 25 – Jan. 29, 2010, with an orientation meeting held Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Marriot Courtyard hotel in Wausau. Attendees will learn how to save energy and money through energy efficiency, and explore the many services and incentives available through Focus and WPS.

During the free energy assessments, an energy professional will visit participants’ facilities and evaluate energy-saving opportunities at the site. Following the assessment, Focus on Energy will provide a report of the findings, along with practical recommendations for saving energy and money, as well as information on financial incentives to help implement projects.

Participation and eligibility is limited. Interested parties are encouraged to RSVP today by calling Focus on Energy at (800) 762-7077, visiting focusonenergy.com/wps, or emailing industrialaudit@focusonenergy.com.

Doyle launches Clean Energy Jobs initiative

From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by business leaders, labor, legislators and environmental organizations as he launched the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a landmark legislative package to accelerate the state’s green economy and create jobs. New industry-recognized research shows the package will directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.

“Addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s about creating green jobs,” Governor Doyle said.

“The Clean Energy Jobs Act offers new standards to help accelerate Wisconsin’s green economy. I am calling on the Legislature to update renewable portfolio standards to generate 25 percent of our fuel from renewable sources by 2025 and set a realistic goal of a 2 percent annual reduction in energy consumption by 2015.”

The Clean Energy Jobs Act, State Senate Bill 450 and State Assembly Bill 649, implements the recommendations of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s green economy through several key measures:
• Enhanced renewable portfolio standards – A new 20 percent standard would be set for 2020 and a 25 percent standard would be set for 2025. The current 10 percent standard would be accelerated from 2015 to 2013. By advancing our current renewable portfolio standards, and setting new standards, we will ensure more of our energy dollars stay in the state, creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in fields like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Enhanced energy efficiency and conservation efforts – Graduated statewide electricity savings goals would be set, leading up to a 2 percent reduction by 2015 and annual reductions thereafter. The cheapest way to lower carbon emissions is through energy conservation. By setting achievable conservation goals, this bill will help reduce energy costs in businesses and homes across the state.

A comprehensive economic assessment of the Clean Energy Jobs Act found that the package would directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025. More than 1,800 jobs would be created in the first year alone. The assessment also found that between 800 and 1,800 construction jobs would be created each year from 2011-2025, and more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs would be created once the laws are fully implemented.

Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin’s executive director said:

Wisconsin's existing 10% Renewable Energy Standard has driven significant investment in rural, forestry and agriculture markets by encouraging the construction of large wind, biogas, biomass and solar projects. Increasing the Renewable Energy Standard to 25% in 2025 would continue to generate more of the lucrative payments to landowners and biofuel / biomass providers as well as create more jobs constructing and maintaining the additional projects are built to meet the new standards.

The bills also include three of the proposals backed by the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign:

• Renewable Energy Buyback Rates, also called an Advanced Renewable Tariffs, would set utility payments for small renewable energy producers who want to "feed energy" into the electric grid, enabling farmers and rural businesses to help Wisconsin become more energy independent with biopower, wind and solar.
• The Biomass Crop Reserve Program would award contracts to farmers to plant native perennial plants, which the farmer can then sell for bioenergy production, helping to solve the chicken-and-egg problem of jumpstarting the homegrown fuels market.
• A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard would be a market-based approach to promoting the cleanest, low-carbon fuels for Wisconsin, and would put Wisconsin in a position to capture the rapidly-developing clean energy market by using Wisconsin's abundant natural resources like switchgrass.

Statements of support for the legislation came from Customers First!, WPPI Energy, CREWE, Clean Wisconsin, ACRE, MEUW, Sierra Club, and others.

A furnace checkup is good start to saving energy

From an article by Shelly Birkelo in the Jansville Gazette:

JANESVILLE — Have you broken down and turned on your furnace yet?

It's natural to wait as long as possible in an effort to keep your winter heating costs down.

There are, however, other ways to spend less money and save energy starting with an annual furnace inspection.

"It will probably cost between $50 and $100, but it is important to make sure your furnace is running correctly and efficiently,'' said Steven Schultz, Alliant Energy communications program manager.

A checkup also will clean out dust or dirt, he said.

"Dust and dirt can clog vital parts, making your furnace run harder and eventually break down,'' Schultz said.

It's also the best prevention against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Alliant's monthly Natural Gas update newsletter.

To find an energy-smart heating contractor in your area, visit alliantenergy.com/ dealerlocator.

A home energy evaluation also can help consumers understand where their energy is going, Schultz said.

"It can show you where heat is escaping during the winter, for example, and will provide you with a blueprint for weatherizing your home," he said.

For details about how you can do a home energy audit, visit www.alliantenergy.com/utilityservices/foryourhome/easyenergysavers/014671, Schultz said.

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide energy-efficiency and renewable energy initiative, also is a good source for energy and money-savings tips, Schultz said.

It is funded by all of the state's utilities and can be accessed by visiting www.focusonenergy.com or calling 1-800-762-7077, he said.

A furnace checkup is good start to saving energy

From an article by Shelly Birkelo in the Jansville Gazette:

JANESVILLE — Have you broken down and turned on your furnace yet?

It's natural to wait as long as possible in an effort to keep your winter heating costs down.

There are, however, other ways to spend less money and save energy starting with an annual furnace inspection.

"It will probably cost between $50 and $100, but it is important to make sure your furnace is running correctly and efficiently,'' said Steven Schultz, Alliant Energy communications program manager.

A checkup also will clean out dust or dirt, he said.

"Dust and dirt can clog vital parts, making your furnace run harder and eventually break down,'' Schultz said.

It's also the best prevention against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Alliant's monthly Natural Gas update newsletter.

To find an energy-smart heating contractor in your area, visit alliantenergy.com/ dealerlocator.

A home energy evaluation also can help consumers understand where their energy is going, Schultz said.

"It can show you where heat is escaping during the winter, for example, and will provide you with a blueprint for weatherizing your home," he said.

For details about how you can do a home energy audit, visit www.alliantenergy.com/utilityservices/foryourhome/easyenergysavers/014671, Schultz said.

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide energy-efficiency and renewable energy initiative, also is a good source for energy and money-savings tips, Schultz said.

It is funded by all of the state's utilities and can be accessed by visiting www.focusonenergy.com or calling 1-800-762-7077, he said.

Focus on Energy programs now available to Adams-Columbia Electric customers

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (August 13, 2009) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today that Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative (ACEC) officially became a program member beginning August 1, 2009. The utility serves approximately 36,000 customers in 12 Central Wisconsin counties.

ACEC will participate in the Business, Residential and Renewable Energy offerings under the Focus on Energy umbrella. The 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. The programs offer technical expertise, training and financial incentives to help implement innovative energy management projects.
· Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Apartment & Condo Efficiency Services Programs that encompass new and existing homes, multi-family construction and remodeling projects for all types of residential dwellings. These programs help homeowners and landlords integrate energy improvements into their remodeling projects, as well as deliver newly-built homes, apartments and condominiums that are comfortable, safe, durable and energy efficient.
· Lighting and appliance programs that increase the availability of ENERGY STAR qualified products ranging from compact fluorescent light bulbs to heating and cooling equipment. These efforts deliver lower energy bills for residents and businesses and increased sales for retailers and contractors.
· Renewable Energy Programs that help residents and businesses harness energy from sunlight, wind and organic materials.
· Targeted Home Performance that reduces energy bills while increasing comfort and safety for income-qualified participants.

Doyle encourages Rapids residents to sign up for free energy audits

From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (August 11, 2009) - Governor Jim Doyle today urged Wisconsin Rapids homeowners to take advantage of Recovery-funded projects and sign up for free energy inspections by young workers in an Energy Advocate project led by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

"These young workers can help you save on your utility bills and conserve energy," Governor Doyle said. "During their visit, they can install free energy saving devices such as a low-flow showerhead. Wisconsin is receiving more than $141 million for weatherization under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Our energy advocates can help you take an important, first step to big savings."

The project is one of many ARRA-funded efforts that will employ approximately 4,000 Wisconsin young adults statewide through June 2011. With federal ARRA funds, Governor Doyle provided 25 individuals, 18 to 24 years of age, employment in "green jobs," while also helping homeowners cut utility bills, save money and conserve energy.

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, has partnered with the DWD and the Northcentral WI Workforce Development Board, to offer Together We Save-a summer program dedicated to helping residents in select communities save energy and money at home.

Wisconsin Rapids is one of five cities chosen for the Energy Advocate project. These five cities were selected based on high unemployment, predominantly older homes and many young people seeking jobs. The ARRA-funded project provides for five energy advocates in each community for the Together We Save effort. . . .

Participation is limited
Together We Save presents homeowners a limited-time opportunity to save energy and money with energy efficient improvements that are good for them, their families, and the environment. Interested residents are encouraged to learn more about the program and schedule their home energy audits by calling (715) 459-2547.

Rapids to get “green jobs” project employing young adults in home energy conservation

From a news release issued by the Department of Workforce Developing announcing a green jobs project in five Wisconsin cities, including Wisconsin Rapids:

. . .Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced a Wisconsin American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) project employing young adults in “green jobs” to help homeowners cut utility bills, saving money and energy.

“With this Recovery-funded pilot, we are employing young adults in ‘green jobs,’ opening the door to career opportunities,” Secretary Gassman said. “We are helping homeowners save money and conserve energy while protecting our environment.”

On behalf of Governor Doyle, Secretary Gassman officially unveiled the ARRA-funded “Energy Advocate Youth Pilot” at the home of DeCarlos and Michelle Nora in Beloit’s Merrill Neighborhood. As part of the announcement, she accompanied five “energy advocates,” as they inspected the young couple’s home and suggested ways to make the house more energy efficient. . . .

With federal ARRA funds, Governor Doyle provided for the employment of 25 individuals, who are 18 to 24 years of age, from low-income households, and meet one of six other criteria for disadvantaged youth. The project is one of many ARRA-funded efforts that will employ approximately 4,000 Wisconsin young adults statewide through June 2011.

Besides Beloit, five energy advocates will work in each of the following cities: Green Bay, Racine, Superior and Wisconsin Rapids, communities with high unemployment, predominantly older homes, and many young people seeking jobs. In June, Beloit had the highest unemployment rate, 18.6 percent. Milwaukee has a similar, independent project.

For more information about Wisconsin ARRA efforts, visit: http://recovery.wisconsin.gov
For more information about WECC’s Focus on Energy initiative, visit: http://www.focusonenergy.com