Contact:
Scott Larrivee, Department of Administration, 608-266-7362
Julie Wade/Tim Wirtz, Focus on Energy, 414-225-9568/414-225-9522
Amid concerns over high energy costs this winter, Wisconsin residents and businesses are increasingly looking to Focus on Energy for help. Since July 2001, more than half a million residents and businesses have been working with Focus on Energy to make cost effective investments in energy efficiency, saving more than $86 million on annual energy costs. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, estimates that the lifetime dollar value of these energy savings is over $700 million.
In its fourth year, Focus on Energy continued having a positive and lasting economic impact on the state. Statewide, residents lowered their household utility costs and businesses strengthened their bottom line. With energy costs expected to rise by as much as 30 percent this winter, Focus on Energy is encouraging businesses and residents to lower their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce pollution by learning how to make better energy decisions.
“The average Wisconsin household spends $1,800 every year on utility bills,” said Kimberly Walker, administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Energy, which oversees Focus on Energy. “However, by participating in Focus on Energy’s programs, state residents can significantly lower their energy costs. At the same time, their homes will be more comfortable, safe and durable.”
Wisconsin businesses benefit, too. Businesses investing in energy efficiency are reducing operating and maintenance costs. Traditionally, these are significant overhead expenses for most businesses. By taking advantage of resources available through Focus on Energy, businesses can cut energy costs and increase their bottom lines. Businesses that sell and install energy-saving technologies also benefit from the program. Builders, contractors and retailers statewide have seen their businesses grow in response to increasing demand for energy efficient products and services. Since July 2001, Focus on Energy’s programs have influenced $235 million in sales for Wisconsin businesses.
“A growing number of Wisconsin residents and businesses are looking to Focus on Energy to help them reduce their energy use and increase their efficiency,” said Walker. “Focus on Energy has a network of experts across the state. These experts work with businesses and homeowners demonstrating practical ways they can implement energy and cost saving strategies that meet their specific needs.”
For more information about Focus on Energy and its energy saving programs, call 1-800-762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers throughout Wisconsin. The goals of this program are to encourage energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, enhance the environment and ensure the future supply of energy for Wisconsin. Since July 2001, the program has helped Wisconsin’s businesses and residents cut their annual utility bills by more than $86 million – reducing their energy consumption by nearly
725 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and more than 35 million therms of natural gas. For more information, call 1-800-762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
