Focus on Energy: Maunesha River Dairy honored with Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Management

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mark Treichel

Hoffman York

(414) 225-9554

mtreichel@hyc.com

– Focus on Energy recognizes the dairy farm for energy efficiency improvements –

Madison, Wis. (December 16, 2010) – Maunesha River Dairy of Sun Prairie, Wis. was honored last week for earning the prestigious Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Management. This award is in recognition of Maunesha River Dairy’s dedication to adopt 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, Maunesha River Dairy has launched aggressive energy saving efforts and continues to investigate ways to save even more energy throughout its business.

This year Maunesha River Dairy will save more than 188,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity-enough energy to power 19 Wisconsin homes for a year. The farm will also benefit from a $14,000 savings on its energy bills each year.

To reduce energy usage Maunesha River Dairy has upgraded to energy-efficient lighting and is currently working on other efficiency projects including replacing its existing chiller system with a high-performance system, adding high-efficiency ventilation fans, light pipes, and installing daylighting controls.

“Energy efficiency is important on my farm and the paybacks make economic sense,” said Dennis Ballweg, owner of Maunesha River Dairy. “When I decided to expand I worked with Focus on Energy. It’s been a helpful resource.”

The annual environmental benefits of Maunesha River Dairy’s efficiency efforts are equivalent to offsetting more than 370 barrels of oil from being burned – eliminating 319,142 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere.

“By making energy-efficiency a priority in its operation, Maunesha River Dairy will enjoy low operating costs and a healthy bottom line,” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “We are pleased to recognize the farm for earning the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Management.”

Since 2001, Focus on Energy has delivered cost effective energy solutions to Wisconsin consumers, farms, and businesses. Focus can help agribusinesses identify and evaluate energy saving opportunities, develop energy management plans, and arrange technical training opportunities about energy conservation – helping improve your bottom line and lower operating cost. For more information on Focus on Energy, call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com .

About Maunesha River Dairy

Dennis Ballweg purchased the farm from his parents in 1981 at which time was milking 75 cows. Currently Maunesha River Dairy has 17 employees and milks 700 cows which produce approximately 1.7 million pounds of milk annually. The farm has expanded to accommodate necessary housing and manure storage.

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment, and control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com .