MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Treichel
Hoffman York
(414) 225-9554
– Applications due May 15, 2011 –
MADISON, Wis. (March 15 2011) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is now accepting applications from businesses that want to fund energy project manager positions. Applications can be downloaded at focusonenergy.com/staffgrant and are due May 15, 2011. These staffing grants help businesses, manufacturers, schools, and government facilities throughout Wisconsin hire employees or consultants who oversee the organization’s energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects.
“Businesses often overlook the value of having a staff person or a consultant who’s solely focused on energy-saving projects,” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “However, many companies can recoup this employee or consultant’s pay many times over due to unexploited energy savings opportunities. Focus’ staffing grants help prove this concept to businesses by offsetting the first year’s salary costs.”
Indeed, Focus has found that having an employee or consultant who oversees energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects makes an organization more likely to reap significant energy and cost savings. For example, the City of Fennimore received a Focus staffing grant in 2010 and is benefiting from the energy and dollar savings in part because of its energy project manager.
“It was a great learning opportunity for our staff and allowed us to better understand our energy use,” said Margaret Sprague, City Clerk Treasurer. “Our energy manager allowed us to reduce energy needs and save money during these tight economic times.”
Industrial businesses can apply for a maximum staffing grant of $80,000. Commercial businesses, schools, and governments are eligible to apply for up to $40,000. Grants can be used to cover the salary and benefits of a full- or part-time employee or consultant. Partnering or neighboring companies are encouraged to submit a joint application and share an employee or consultant between the businesses.
When applying for a staffing grant, businesses must include a list of potential energy-saving projects. Funding for the staffing grants is based on the energy savings from these projects, and is paid when projects are completed. Businesses that have previously been awarded staffing grants are not eligible. All applications must be completed and received by May 15, 2011. Applications are available at focusonenergy.com/staffgrant.
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 .
