Small Businesses Request Resumption of Renewable Energy Support

For immediate release
January 31, 2012

Small Businesses Request Resumption of Renewable Energy Support

Over 150 small businesses, organizations, schools, and local officials appealed to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to restore full funding for a nationally recognized renewable energy program that reduces the cost of solar, wind, and biomass installations for Wisconsin utility customers.

In an open letter delivered to the PSC yesterday, the signers asked the PSC to “to exercise its oversight authority over Focus on Energy and restore funding, without delay, for renewables at a level consistent with previous years’ allocations.”

The impetus for the open letter arose from RENEW Wisconsin’s Energy Policy Summit held two weeks ago in Madison. At the summit, the 140 people who participated asked RENEW to make Focus on Energy funding restoration its highest policy priority for 2012.

Focus on Energy suspended its support for customer-sited renewable energy systems last July, when rising demand for renewables outstripped available funds. The program administrator said that incentives will be resumed later this year, but no firm timeline has been set.

“This problem needs to be fixed as expeditiously as possible before the funding interruption permanently damages Wisconsin’s renewable energy marketplace,” said Michael Vickerman, Executive Director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide, nonprofit renewable energy advocacy organization.

“A number of renewable energy installers and contractors are already feeling the effects of the funding hiatus, and the result is less new hiring and potential layoffs down the road. However, we remain optimistic that once funding is restored renewable energy development will once again become a dynamic economic sector and a source of new jobs here in Wisconsin,” said Vickerman.

An Open Letter to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
January 30, 2012

In 2002, the State of Wisconsin began offering incentives from Focus on Energy to encourage tangible and significant savings with the implementation of distributed renewable energy systems. By employing a small fraction of the funds available to Focus on Energy for this purpose, the vast majority of customer-sited solar, wind, biogas and biomass projects now operating in Wisconsin received critical financial support. In under 10 years, Focus on Energy succeeded in building an in-state marketplace that supported steady growth of new businesses and jobs in manufacturing, distributing, designing, installing and servicing renewable energy systems. It is no exaggeration to say that the renewable energy program run by Focus on Energy was a nationally recognized as a model for other states to follow.

It’s a very different picture today. For the first time since 2002, Wisconsin business and residential customers entered the new year without a functioning statewide renewable energy program in place. Focus on Energy said that it intends to resume offering incentives for renewables later this year, but has not set a timeline for restoration of funding or services. Nor is there any information available as to whether the renewable products and services supported in the past will be supported again, and, if so, at what levels. What was a successful engine for advancing small-scale renewables in Wisconsin is now, for frustrated businesses and customers alike, a source of vague assurances and little else.

Unfortunately, the ongoing lack of support and uncertainty is guaranteed to cause layoffs and business cutbacks. Furthermore, it is contrary to state law, which specifies that Focus on Energy support customer use of renewable energy as well as energy efficiency. Without the products and services to fuel the renewable market, 2012 will usher in a period of contraction that portends significant declines in installations, accelerated job losses, and increased business migration to markets in other states.

In our view, the most economically efficient way to transition Wisconsin to a sustainable energy future is to pair an aggressive conservation and efficiency program with products and services that increase the market drivers for on-site renewable energy production. Both approaches mutually reinforce each other while delivering economic benefits to customers. Adopting energy efficiency enables customers to reduce the size of their renewable energy investments, and on-site renewables allow customers to lower all or part of their energy bills going forward.

We support the conclusions reached by Commissioner Eric Callisto regarding the economic returns to ratepayers and the public generated by Focus on Energy’s programs. As part of a recent proceeding on Focus on Energy, Commissioner Callisto wrote:

Focus programs save energy, help offset the need for new power generation, lower utility bills, create jobs, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and support broad-based economic development in Wisconsin. And in study after study, it is shown that these benefits are produced at a ratio that far exceeds program costs. As the LAB report points out, the benefit-cost ratio for Focus programs is as high as 7.2 to 1, when taking into account economic metrics like job creation and increased business sales. That is more than seven dollars in benefit to Wisconsin for every dollar invested. http://psc.wi.gov/apps35/ERF_view/viewdoc.aspx?docid=158228

The impressive payback from Focus on Energy is sufficient reason for restoring the renewable energy funding that had been a key feature of that program. Given the near certainty of rising electric rates as the price of delivered coal continues to climb, as coal pollution equipment is mandated to meet new regulations, and to pay for new transmission, we cannot afford any more backsliding by not supporting in-state, distributed renewables. The ongoing funding hiatus for renewables is inconsistent with state law. The Commission has a responsibility to fix this problem immediately, before the lack of support for renewables permanently damages Wisconsin’s renewable energy marketplace. We the undersigned call upon the Public Service Commission to exercise its oversight authority over Focus on Energy and restore funding, without delay, for renewables at a level consistent with previous years’ allocations.

Sincerely,

• John Ahles Solar System Owner Neenah, WI 
• Jeff Anthony American Wind Energy Association Milwaukee, WI 
• Steve Arndt, Director of Facilities Management UW-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI 
• Michael Arney, Green Neighbor, Inc. Wauwatosa, WI 
• Peter Bakken, Public Policy Coordinator Wisconsin Council of Churches Sun Prairie, WI 
• Rich Bannen, Owner Prairie Solar Power & Light Prairie du Chien, WI 
• Bruce Barker, President Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI 
• Barb Basaj SunSpe, LLC Milwaukee, WI 
• David Behnke-Seper First Affirmative Financial Network Chili, WI 
• Rick Bergman Aquilo Wind Development Glendale, WI Oscar Bloch Arboretum Co-Housing Madison, WI 
• Hans Jr. and Katie Breitenmoser Breitenmoser Family Farms Merrill, WI 
• Thomas Brown, Architect Stevens Point, WI 
• Brent Brucker, General Manager Helios Solar Works Milwaukee, WI 
• Justin Castleman Castleman & Sons Plumbing Franklin, WI 
• Chris Collins, Marketing Director H&H Solar Energy Services Madison, WI 
• Becky Comeau Southwest Community Biofuels LaFarge, WI 
• Lisa Conley, President Town and Country RC&D Jefferson, WI 
• Lisa Daniels, Executive Director Windustry Minneapolis, MN 
• Mark Dawson Sand Creek Solar Amherst, WI 
• Susan De Vos Madison Area Bus Advocates Madison, WI 
• Tom DeBates, Owner Habi-Tek Geneva, IL 
• Michael Dearing, Owner Driftless Solar Spring Green, WI 
• Trang Donovan Unlimited Renewable Energies Prairie du Sac, WI 
• Thomas Duffy, President Commercial Air, Inc. Madison, WI 
• Jeff Ehlers, President Renewegy LLC Oshkosh, WI 
• Jim Erdman Solar Electric and Small Wind Certified Site Assessor Menomonie, WI 
• James Erickson, Owner Antech Properties Janesville, WI 
• Brian Evans, Production Manager Associated Housewrights Madison, WI 
• Jerry Eyler, Executive Dean Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI
• Randy Faller, Owner Kettle View Renewable Energy Random Lake, WI 
• Jay Farnsworth, Teacher Waunakee School District Waunakee, WI 
• Pete Flesch, Chair, Crawford County Board of Supervisors Prairie du Chien, WI 
• Scott Freier Freiers Electric and Heating Ellsworth, WI
• Greg Fritsch, CEO Clean Energy North America Glendale, WI 
• Jim Funk, Owner Energize LLC Winneconne, WI Mark Furst Grading Spaces LLC Fort Atkinson, WI 
• Rex Gillespie Wisconsin Solar Energy Industries Madison, WI 
• David Goepfert, President Thermal Design, Inc. Stoughton, WI 
• Grant Grinstead Northern Biogas Fond du Lac, WI 
• David Hansen, Owner Lake Country Energy Oconomowoc, WI 
• Daniel Harkins, Manager Trantow Properties LLC Stoughton, WI 
• Ryan Harkins, Project Manager Synergy Renewable Systems LLC Stoughton, WI 
• Michael Harvey Able Electric Co. River Falls, WI 
• Mark Heffernan, President CBT Wear Parts, Inc. Bio-Products Engineering Corp. Richland Center, WI 
• Charlie Higley, Executive Director Citizens Utility Board Madison, WI 
• John Hippensteel, President Lake Michigan Wind and Sun Sturgeon Bay, WI 
• Lou Host-Jablonski, Architect Design Coalition Madison, WI 
• John Imes, Executive Director Wisconsin Environmental Initiative Madison, WI 
• Greg Jahnke, Manager, Renewable Energy Pieper Electric Milwaukee, WI 
• Micah James, General Manager Energycraft Synergy Systems, LLC Stoughton, WI 
• Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director Distributed Wind Energy Association Flagstaff, AZ 
• Brad Johnson, Director, Business Development Green Sky Energetics Manitowoc, WI 
• James Jozwiak Black Magic Organics Spencer, WI 
• Andrea Kaminski League of Women Voters Wisconsin Education Network Madison, WI 
• Roger Kanitz ECOS – Fox Valley Menasha, WI 
• James Kerbel Photovoltaic Systems LLC Amherst, WI 
• Duane Kexel Duane Kexel Consulting Madison, WI 
• Chris Klein Town of Dayton Waupaca, WI 
• Joe Klein Applied Plastics Oak Creek, WI 
• Mark Klein Gimme Shelter Construction Amherst, WI 
• Richard Klemme, Dean and Director UW Extension - Cooperative Extension Madison, WI 
• Randy Knox Solar PV System Owner Whitewater, WI 
• Jeff Knutson, Owner A-A Exteriors, com Waupaca, WI 
• Kurt Koepp, Manager Hot Water Products Milwaukee, WI 
• Fritz Kreiss Community Green Energy LLC, Lake Geneva, WI 
• Eco-Vision Sustainable Learning Center, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI Green Leaf Inn LLC, Delavan, WI 
• Larry Krom, Principal L&S Technical Associates Spring Green, WI 
• Christopher LaForge, Owner Great Northern Solar Port Wing, WI 
• Alicia Leinberger, Marketing and Development Manager Seventh Generation Energy Systems Madison, WI 
• Jesse Lerner Sustain Dane Madison, WI 
• Doug Lindsey Lakeshore Technical College - Energy Education Center Cleveland, WI 
• Timothy Linn, Partner/Builder Edge Grain LLC Milwaukee, WI 
• Vicki Lipinski, Marketing and Sales Coordinator Procorp Enterprises Milwaukee, WI 
• Jeanne Lisse Madison Computer Works Madison, WI 
• Mark Lydon Artisan Energy LLC Marshall, WI 
• Randy Mader Faith Technologies Sun Prairie, WI 
• Tom Martin, CEO Convergence Energy Lake Geneva, WI 
• Neil Matthes Duck Creek Engineering, Inc. Helenville, WI 
• Nick Matthes Midwest Photovoltaics, Inc. Milwaukee, WI 
• Heather McCombs Wisconsin Green Building Alliance Milwaukee, WI 
• Natalie McIntire enMac Energy Consulting Viroqua, WI 
• Christine Merritt, Ph.D TAPCO – Traffic and Parking Control, Inc. Brown Deer, WI 
• Eric Meyer Werner Electric Wisconsin Neenah, WI 
• Jesse Michalski Eland Electric Corporation Green Bay, WI 
• Randy Moberg Werner Electric Minnesota Cottage Grove, MN 
• Gerd Muehllehner Retgen Solar LLC North Freedom, WI 
• Ingrid Nahm Appleton Solar Appleton, WI 
• Dan Nemke US Biogas LLC Mequon, WI 
• Andy Olsen Environmental Law & Policy Center Madison, WI 
• Jim Olson E3Coalition Viroqua, WI 
• Burke O’Neal, Director Full Spectrum Solar Madison, WI 
• Robert H. Owen, Jr. Consulting Engineer/Meteorologist Middleton, WI 
• Hon. Joe Parisi Dane County Executive Madison, WI 
• George Penn Global Energy Options Madison, WI 
• Katie Peterman, Manager, Cooperative Affairs Organic Valley Family of Farms LaFarge, WI Ted Petith Greenlink Projects, LLC Madison, WI 
• Greg Phillips American Power, Inc. Electrical Contractors Janesville, WI 
• Eric Pipkin Pipkin Electric, Inc. Sparta, WI 
• John Price Access Solar LLC Waukesha, WI 
• Chris Quandt, Senior Project Manager Bachmann Construction Madison, WI 
• Bob Ramlow Artha Sustainable Energy Center Amherst, WI 
• Alex Rein Verona, WI 
• Kurt Reinhold Solar Connections LLC Madison, WI 
• Ed Ritger Ritger Law Office Random Lake, WI 
• Cathy Robinson Chippewa Valley Alternative Energy Chippewa Falls, WI 
• Rik Rosenlund Midwest Solar Power Madison, WI 
• Mick Sagrillo Sagrillo Power & Light Forestville, WI
• Kris Schmid Legacy Solar LLC Frederic, WI 
• Brian Schwaller EcoManity LLC, Owner The Sustainable Living Group, President Elkhart Lake, WI 
• Al Schulz, Owner/CEO Safe Work La Crosse, WI Jeff Seidl, President I-Quip Seymour, WI 
• Roy Settgas, Owner Sunrise Energy Services Washburn, WI 
• Carl Siegrist Carl Siegrist Consulting Whitefish Bay, WI 
• Wes Slaymaker WES Engineering Madison, WI 
• Chuck Smith, President Current Electric Company Brookfield, WI 
• Judy Spring Sustain Sauk County Baraboo, WI 
• Zeus Stark, Owner Next Step Energy LLC Eau Claire, WI 
• Doug Stingle, Development Director Midwest Renewable Energy Association Custer, WI
• Josh Stolzenburg North Wind Renewable Energy, LLC Stevens Point, WI 
• Amy Taivalkoski, Principal ALT Energy Sussex, WI 
• Craig Tarr, President Energy Concepts Hudson, WI 
• Dave Tebo, Administrator Town of Greenville Greenville, WI 
• Neale Thompson Janesville Home and Solar Janesville, WI 
• Todd Timmerman Timmerman’s Talents LLC Platteville, WI 
• Melissa Van Ornum DVO, Inc. Chilton, WI 
• Michael Vickerman, Policy Director RENEW Wisconsin Madison, WI 
• Jerry Viste Door County Environmental Council Sturgeon Bay, WI 
• Larry Walker Walker Energy Systems Madison, WI 
• Ray Walter, Ph.D, President MyEnergy, LLC Pewaukee, WI 
• Michael Ward E & W Heating and Air Conditioning Middleton, WI 
• David Washebek, President/CEO Lemberg Electric Company Brookfield, WI Frank Weeks 
• D H Solar Prairie du Chien, WI Robert 
• Weier, Vice President ELEXCO, Inc. Seymour, WI 
• Laura West, West Winds Renewable Resources, LLC Plover, WI 
• Sr. Janet Weyker, Director Eco-Justice Center Racine, WI 
• Terry Wiggins Earth Justice Ministry of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI 
• Sally Wiley, Gaea’s Farm Walworth, WI
• Tom Wilson HOME REMEDIES Residential Energy Services, Viroqua, WI 
• Northern Thunder, Eau Claire, WI 
• Dona Wininsky American Lung Association in Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI 
• Dean Wolff Milwaukee Solar Milwaukee, WI 
• Niels Wolter, Owner Madison Solar Consulting Madison, WI 
• Mark Yeager Sun & Daughters Solar, LLC Rhinelander, WI 
• Jim Yockey, CEO Seventh Generation Systems Integration Madison, WI 
• John Young Resource Solar Madison, WI 
• Bruce Zahn, Architect Milwaukee, WI 
• Michael Zander, CEO Biogas Direct Sauk City, WI
• Ed Zinthefer, President Arch Electric, LLC Plymouth, WI

- END -

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A bright idea from Milwaukee

From an article by Dan Haugen in Midwest Energy News:

A mobile app that helps people perform their own home lighting audits is the winner of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Apps for the Environment” challenge.

Light Bulb Finder was created by a Milwaukee, Wisc., app developer called Eco Hatchery. Co-founders Adam Borut and Andrea Nylund learned they won the challenge last week, and on Tuesday they’ll be in Washington, D.C., to accept the recognition. . . .

The app was released for iPhone and Android in late 2010. It lets people walk around their home and use icons to identify the type of bulb currently used in each light fixture. After entering a zip code and the estimated daily hours of use for each bulb, the app suggests more efficient replacement bulbs, as well as a detailed projection of savings, in dollars and carbon emissions.

“We want to provide people with meaningful, individualized feedback so that they can make the smartest decision based on their priorities,” Borut said.

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Wisconsin slips five notches in energy efficiency ranking

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Wisconsin's move to roll back funding increases for programs that help homeowners and businesses save on energy bills was criticized in a report Thursday by a national energy efficiency advocacy group.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy released a scorecard rating states' efforts in the area of energy efficiency.

Wisconsin was in the top 10 several years ago but ranks 16th in this year's scorecard. Massachusetts was the top state overall, and Michigan and Illinois were cited as among the most improved states.

"Clearly, 2011 has not been kind to our economy, but energy efficiency remains a growth sector that attracts investment and creates jobs," said Michael Sciortino, ACEEE senior policy analyst and the report's lead author.

"With even higher energy savings possible, we expect leading states to continue pushing the envelope next year and inspire those at the bottom of the rankings to embrace energy efficiency as a core strategy to gain a competitive advantage by generating cost-savings, promoting technological innovation, and stimulating growth," he said.

Wisconsin has lost some ground while other states have made significant pushes to set up initiatives that provide incentives to consumers and businesses to conduct energy-saving retrofits. Improvements by Michigan and Illinois pushed those states to rankings just behind Wisconsin.

The report saluted efforts in Arkansas, Rhode Island and Arizona, which "worked with utilities and adopted significant energy efficiency regulations," the report says.

"Despite significant progress, some states have slowed or stepped backward in the race to save energy. New Jersey and Wisconsin have both diminished investments in utility-sector energy efficiency and Arizona is considering a law that will reduce transportation efficiency in the state."

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EcoFair360 highlights eco-friendly practices and technologies

From an article by Darryl Enriquez on GazetteXtra.com:

ELKHORN — Electric vehicles, wind turbines, local food preparation and eco-friendly cleaning products will be displayed at the second annual EcoFair360.

EcoFair360 will have more than 200 exhibits, presentations and demonstrations that touch a variety of environmental interests and green and eco-friendly technologies.

The fair will be Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, at the Walworth County Fairgrounds.

Founders of the fair, Fritz Kreiss and Catherine McQueen, pursue sustainable lifestyles and communities. The couple are planning The Green Leaf Inn, a low-energy hotel that will house EcoVision Sustainable Learning Center south of Delavan.

Here are five things to know about the fair:

1. Local food. The virtues of buying and cooking locally produced food will be explored Sunday, July 10, by Chef Rick Starr of Kirsch’s Restaurant in Williams Bay. . . .

2. Kids Zone. The Kids Zone will provide workshops for kids of all ages. . . .

3. E-85 benefits. . . .

4. Presentations [on renewable energy installations and energy efficiency]. . . .

5. State issues. State Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, chairman of the Wisconsin Natural Resources and Environment Committee, will speak at 4 p.m. Friday, July 8, about legislative issues related to the environment and its impact on the community.

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Small businesses hit hard by energy program cuts and changes

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

Focus on Energy, a statewide program that promotes energy efficiency, is in the midst of big changes: new management by an out-of-state corporation, suspension of a popular rebate program, and sharp funding cuts in the pending state budget.

Nearly 20 people already have lost their jobs, mostly in Madison, as a result of the management change.

Meanwhile, dozens of small Wisconsin businesses that specialize in setting up solar panels and wind turbines fear for their futures because of the slashed allocation and rebate removal.

“It’s a lot of economic activity and jobs in Wisconsin. It’s a lot of energy efficiency, as well,” said Keith Reopelle, policy director for Clean Wisconsin.

Focus on Energy was created in 2001 to provide education, resources and cash incentives to Wisconsin residents and businesses to increase the use of energy-efficient products and systems, from furnaces to solar panels to vending machines.

In the past 10 years, more than 91,000 businesses and more than 1.7 million residents used the program and saved $2.20 for every dollar spent, according to Focus data. . . .

Since taking over Focus on Energy on May 9, one of Shaw’s first decisions, with PSC support, was to suspend payments to businesses that install renewable-energy systems, as of June 30.

Contractors like Seventh Generation Energy Systems were stunned.“It’s pretty devastating,” said James Yockey, chief executive officer. “It probably took out six to 10 projects that we were looking to close ... for work in the fall and the coming spring.”

Several of the projects were wind turbines for farmers. “I think the incentives are decisive in people saying yes,” Yockey said . . . .

Program supporters have appealed to Gov. Scott Walker to veto the Focus budget cut, including a letter signed by 124 Wisconsin businesses. As of Friday, there was no word on his response. Walker is scheduled to sign the budget today.

“Cutting Focus on Energy will result in higher electricity bills and fewer jobs,” Randy Johnson, president of U.S. Lamp, a Green Bay energy-efficient lighting design company, said in the letter.

Seventh Generation’s Yockey said he hopes to avoid laying off any of his 16 employees by aiming his business at other states, and that could mean moving the company. “We prefer to be located in Madison but the bottom line is: we’ll see where the business takes us,” he said.

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GE Healthcare seeks OK for wind turbines

From an article by Laurel Walker in the Milwaukee journal Sentinel:

Waukesha - GE Healthcare is seeking city permission to install 10 wind turbines up to 155 feet tall on its 662-acre Waukesha campus on county Highway T north of I-94.

The project, if approved, would be built next year or later, said Annette Busateri, public relations manager. It is part of the company's 2015 goal of reducing electrical usage by 15% and improving building energy efficiency by at least 10%, she said.

The Waukesha Plan Commission is scheduled to consider a conditional use permit for the project at its 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday. The city has no wind turbines, planner Michael Hoeft said.

City planner Jennifer Andrews said the company has lined up letters indicating state and federal agencies likely have no objections.

"They seem to have all their ducks in a row," she said.

Although the proposed turbines are about a mile from the runways of Waukesha County's airport, Crites Field, their height would be below the limit set by the county's zoning ordinance that protects airspace around the airport from encroaching structures.

The plan calls for turbines on towers ranging from 135 to 155 feet tall. Three would be behind the former headquarters building, now an assembly building for medical imaging equipment that's the farthest north of three buildings. The other seven would be between the two other buildings farther south.

Waukesha County Parks and Land Use Director Dale Shaver said there are no commercial wind turbines in the county. Not only would this project be the first, but they would be near a high-traffic, very visible interchange.

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Honeywell and UW-M reduce campus utility costs and carbon dioxide emissions

From a news release issued by Honeywell:

MINNEAPOLIS, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE:HON - News) today announced it has completed the company's first energy-efficient building upgrades at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), which will save the school an estimated $620,000 in annual energy costs. The work is part of a multi-phase, $21.7-million energy conservation and infrastructure renewal program that will improve comfort and efficiency in university facilities while cutting utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

All the improvements UWM has asked Honeywell to make are expected to reduce energy and operating expenses by $30.8 million over the next two decades. They will also trim electricity use by more than 10 million kilowatt-hours annually — enough energy to power nearly 940 homes. And they will decrease annual carbon dioxide emissions by an anticipated 31 million pounds as well. According to figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this is equivalent to removing more than 2,700 cars from the road.

Honeywell is completing the work under three 20-year performance contracts with the university. These contracts allow school officials to pay for the upgrades using the savings they generate, which Honeywell guarantees. As a result, the program won't increase school budgets or require additional taxpayer dollars.

"Through our Energy Matters program, we demonstrate how progressive partnerships lead to environmental improvements and cost savings that benefit everyone," said UWM Interim Chancellor Michael R. Lovell. "By working with external partners like Honeywell, we're making it possible for faculty, staff and students to better understand sustainability and make meaningful reductions in the amount of energy, water and other resources UWM requires to operate each day."

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Power Down meeting, April 10

Our next meeting is now April 10 at 4:00 pm
The Pink House Studio 601 E Wright St in Riverwest

Here is a list of identified projects that we need leaders for. Feel free to explore the scope of these projects or collaborate with someone to cover these responsibilities. We are looking for people to work on these projects, and propose new ones for Power Down Week (PDW).

Outreach to Businesses: (PDW needs both Riverwest and Bayview Leaders) PDW is looking for people to organize an outreach to local businesses, to create a challenge/game and/or ask for donations for prizes.

Media: PDW is looking for someone to put together a press packet and be the contact for all media.

Off the Hook Challenge: Last year PDW had people pledge to give up their phones for the week. Organizers coordinated a central location where one phone was used in case of emergencies. We had volunteers to stay at that location and answer the phone if needed and then relay the message to the person who gave up their phone for the week. PDW are looking for someone to coordinate a similar initiative.

Website: PDW is looking for someone to coordinate the placement of information on websites, and manage the Power Down Facebook pages.

Powering Down Pledge: Last year organizers coordinated a game where people accounted for all of the `Power Down' Activities and the most active people won prizes. This year there has been a proposal to simplify the game with 3+ levels of involvement. There would be a list of activities that a person could pledge to do, and if you pledge 3 things you are a `novice', 15 things you are `involved', and all of the things you are an `expert'. The person to coordinate this would be creative and figure out a fun game where people would get acknowledgement for their participation. (other elements proposed include a wrist band with a color for the level that you pledge, discounts or recognition by businesses for that level of pledge, and a nominal cost for getting a wrist band to pay for operating costs of Power Down Week) All of the elements of the game are up for debate.

Social Networking Wall: Last year many people enjoyed being offline, but still having a physical `facebook' wall to reference during the week. Organizers created physical FB profiles at the kickoff event and they were posted at the Pink House all week for people to reference and leave notes. It was well received. PDW is looking for someone to coordinate a similar experience.

Kick Off Event: This is one of the most important elements of Power Down week. PDW is looking for someone to coordinate this event. Date, time, location, volunteers, activities. This might be a good project for more than one person or a group of people.

Scouts for Events: PDW is in need of people who have their eyes and ears open for events that are already happening during Power Down week that we can promote. PDW is also looking for fun events that we could partner with to help them use less energy.

Scouts for Workshops: PDW is looking for people who have skills they would like to share, or are willing to scout for local talent to bring the best workshops possible to PDW.

Email for more information.

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Piggly Wiggly expands, scores high for energy efficiency

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The heat-producing bulbs are gone from the freezers at Olsen's Piggly Wiggly. And the natural gas furnace isn't getting used much.

These are two of the ways the expanded Cedarburg grocery store scored the highest of any of nine other supermarkets across Wisconsin that are participating in the Wisconsin Green Grocer program.

Store co-owner Ryan Olsen said he and his family saw the opportunity to become more energy efficient as they pursued a remodeling project that increased the size of their store by one-third, to 43,000 square feet.

"With energy prices forever climbing, it just made sense for us to (make an) investment now to reap the rewards of not having as high energy consumption later on," he said.

As a result, the store's energy bills are about the same, or slightly more than before, but the store has grown by 11,000 square feet and has six more full-time and 10 more part-time workers.

"This is an example of how we can create jobs and grow our economy but keep our energy use about the same," said Brett Hulsey, an environmental consultant who worked with the grocers association on its initiative. Hulsey is also a Democratic state Assembly representative from Madison.

Some changes can be small - like giving shoppers the ability to recycle plastic bags - but others can be much more extensive.

"They're heating almost all the building with reclaimed heat from their compressors," Hulsey said. "That was the first time I'd seen that."

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Energy efficiency, renewables program feels GOP heat

Tom Content wrote and posted the following article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the day before the Joint Committee on Finance voted along party lines (12 Democrats in favor, 4 Republicans against) to approve funding for Focus on Energy:

Lawmaker calls for audit; business groups against added funds

With a decision possible Tuesday on an increase in funding for the state Focus on Energy program, a lawmaker called for an audit of the energy efficiency initiative and several business groups came out against what they criticized as "a $340 million energy tax hike."

Business groups including Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, the Wisconsin Paper Council, Midwest Food Processors Association and the Wisconsin chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses issued a letter opposing increased funding for energy efficiency.

"Energy conservation and efficiency is a great idea, which is why so many businesses, like paper companies, already do it," said Ed Wilusz, vice president of government relations for the Wisconsin Paper Council, in a statement. "But the existing state program appears to be working well. We doubt that the massive spending increase called for in this proposal is necessary or would be effective."

Supporters of energy efficiency say it's the least-cost alternative to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and a way to help the state postpone costlier expenses like investments in power plants.

The opposition by business groups comes even though large manufacturers in Wisconsin are exempt under state law from paying more to the Focus on Energy program.

The Focus on Energy program is funded through a surcharge on most customers' electric bills. Under the PSC proposal, funding would ramp up over the next four years, raising $20 million more than current levels in 2011 and $60 million more in 2012. The increase would result in an average rate increase of 0.2% in 2011 for utility customers, and 0.7% in 2012.

Increases in funding are also proposed for 2013 and 2014 under the PSC proposal that will be reviewed Tuesday by the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee.

Sen. Robert Cowles (R-Allouez) said Monday he wants the Legislative Audit Bureau to conduct an audit of Focus on Energy before lawmakers agree to an increase in funding.

"Our economy is still in bad shape, and families and businesses in our state are hurting," he said in a statement. "We need to make sure that this program is providing the benefits that it claims it is before we agree to add more funding."

Although not audited by the Legislative Audit Bureau, the Focus on Energy program is audited regularly by independent consulting firms.

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'Green print' saves county greenbacks

From an article by Steve Schultze of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

$800,000 in energy saving has been realized from efficiency program

Milwaukee County has reaped some $800,000 in energy saving from its "green print" environmental program, as well as millions of gallons of water and gasoline saved through more efficient plumbing, cars and trucks.

Though slow to adopt "green" efficiencies, the county jump-started its efforts once a half-time sustainability director was assigned to monitor the program in early 2009. Since then, the courthouse complex and more than 50 other county buildings either have undergone energy audits or soon will.

Lighting, heating, cooling and other upgrades enabled the saving, though it's applied to upfront costs of some $10 million. In theory, after eight years the costs through contracts with private vendors will be covered, and savings will go to the county's bottom line.

"I'm happy with the successes we've had with the resources we've been given," said Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic, who pushed for the program's creation in 2007. She said more could be done if the county would add more staff time to the effort.

It took more than a year to designate a green print coordinator, with the county's budget problems hindering the initiative.

"By having small changes all over the place, we'll have a very huge result," said Dimitrijevic.

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Businesses can celebrate Energy Awareness Month with practical tips to save energy & money

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

Boost the bottom line while strategically managing energy use

Madison, Wis. (October 6, 2010)—In honor of Energy Awareness Month this October, businesses around the country are taking steps to reduce energy use by making cost-effective building improvements and getting staff involved to find smart solutions.

With cold weather on its way now is a great time for organizations to make sure they are well positioned to keep energy costs in check and save money this season, and year round. In fact, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, has already helped Wisconsin businesses save more than $212 million in annual energy costs since 2001.

If organizations are unsure how to get started, Focus offers these free and low-cost best practices to help businesses get ahead this season.

1. Start an energy management team. One cost-effective way to keep tabs on energy costs is to establish an energy team within the organization. Visit focusonenergy.com/energyteam for a free toolkit to help create a team and start implementing high-ROI, low-risk projects.
2. Install (and use!) a programmable thermostat. Businesses can save 1 percent on heating costs for each degree they lower the thermostat. Instead of adjusting the thermostat manually, make sure to install a system that will automatically manage the building’s temperature. Already have a system in place? Program it to achieve maximum savings, and don’t forget to adjust it with the shift from Daylight Saving Time, if necessary.
3. Weatherization can yield big savings. Weather-strip and caulk cracks in walls, jams, and floors. Check for worn-out weather-stripping and replace it.
4. Measure the facility for proper attic insulation. Consider upgrading with spray-foam or batt insulation. Additional insulation can be blown into walls, and there are options for insulating flat roofs, crawl spaces, and floors.
5. Maintain heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment regularly. Facilities can reduce the energy use of heating and cooling systems by up to 6 percent simply by having them serviced regularly and changing air filters monthly. Don’t forget to keep the space around the system clean and clear to prevent debris from being pulled into the burners and filters.
6. Purchase energy-efficient equipment and lighting. When it comes time to replace equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR® label—an assurance of quality and energy efficiency. For lighting, install compact fluorescent bulbs for task lighting and high-performance T8 or pulse-start metal-halide systems for larger or high-bay applications. Lighting-control systems such as occupancy sensors and daylight sensors can help save even more.
7. Talk to the experts at Focus on Energy. We’re a one-stop resource for free technical expertise and financial incentives. Call us today at 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

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Going green one shade at a time

From an article by Stefanie Scott in Wauwatosa Today:

Program outlines steps to energy improvements

Going green may seem like a daunting task. But it doesn't require saving the world or even making major lifestyle changes overnight.

A new Green Neighbor Program - a collaboration of the city's Energy Committee, local Sierra Club chapter and Renew Wisconsin - encourages residents to start small and look at energy usage within their households.

The program aims "to get people to think about energy efficiency and the environmental impact in their own homes and what specific actions they can take to for improvement," said John Bahr, chairman of the committee's Energy Efficiency efforts.

One-on-one advice
Free home energy-efficiency consultations will be offered Aug. 18 at Wauwatosa Public Library. Professionals from the energy and home improvement fields and experienced homeowners will meet one-on-one with interested residents.

Consultants will address problems areas such as drafts, cold spots and high heating bills. Then they will discuss typical solutions such as do-it-yourself projects or appliance purchases that may qualify for tax credits or rebates.

Homeowners should bring a recent utility bill or WE Energies account number so consultants can review energy expenses and compare them with typical expenses for similar-sized homes in the area, Program Coordinator Michael Arney said.

"The homeowner benefits by having a more comfortable home and lower energy bills," Arney said. "Energy efficiency increases property values and, on the broadest level, it reduces our fossil fuel dependency and our carbon emissions."

Consultations are meant to serve as a starting point.

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Seats still available on the Fond du Lac energy efficiency and renewable energy tour

From a news release issued by US-Cooperative Extension, Fond du Lac County:

The public is invited to attend a Local Energy Tour on Saturday, July 31st from 8:30 am - noon organized by the Fond du Lac County and the Green Lake County UW-Extension offices.

Fond du Lac County businesses have made this area a unique place to learn about cutting edge energy technologies, and the tour allows participants a chance to see these technologies in action and learn what difference they are making in the financial, environmental, and social bottom lines of these companies. Participants will also discuss the land use consequences of energy production and ways to minimize the negative consequences and maximize the economic benefits.

This guided bus tour will visit:
• Mercury Marine
• Wildlife Acres subdivision
• Vir-Clar Dairy
• Cedar Ridge Wind Farm
• Pheasant Run
• a home with a geothermal pond system installed.

Energy use is a serious economic concern for our region, state, and nation.

• Wisconsin residents spent $22.5 billion in 2008 on imported fossil fuels. This amounts to $9000 per household.

• Unfortunately, it is the energy sources on which we are most dependent right now (coal, oil, & natural gas) that are becoming increasingly volatile in price and limited in availability around the world.

• The only energy expenditures that stay in-state is the amount spent on renewables, because that is the only type of energy we are able to produce locally.

• Only 4.5% of our total energy use in Wisconsin comes from renewable, locally-produced fuels.

A virtual tour including pictures, video, and fact sheets about the sites is available online at www.SustainFDLCounty.org.

Limited seating is available. The tour will begin at and return to Prairie Fest on the campus of UW-Fond du Lac, rain or shine. Email Diana.Tscheschlok@ces.uwex.edu or call 920.929.3173, 920.748.7565, or 920.324.2879 to register.

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The Oil Spill and You

From a commentary by Michael Vickerman:

Commentary
by Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
July 12, 2010

About 100 people gathered in downtown Madison in early July to take part in “Hands Across the Sands,” an internationally organized protest against continued oil drilling in and along the world’s coastal waters. Against the backdrop of the weed-choked waters of Lake Monona, they joined hands for 15 minutes to express their fervent desire to see a cleaner, less destructive energy future emerge from the liquid melanoma spreading across the Gulf of Mexico.

No doubt the protestors would like to do more, much more, than simply engage in ritualized protest in front of a few camera crews. But we live in a society that is organized around the expectation of a limitless supply of nonrenewable hydrocarbons feeding concentrated energy into our economic bloodstream. Most of us have not bothered to comprehend the yawning gulf that lies between our best intentions and our abject dependence on the wealth-producing properties of petroleum. Nor how this addiction fills us with delusions of godlike mastery over our environment while blinding us to the reality that we humans have grossly overshot our planet’s carrying capacity.

For those who read and still remember the science fiction classic Dune, the “spice” on Arrakis remains the quintessential literary analogy to the reality of Earth’s oil. Like our oil, the spice held a special place in that world as the ultimate prize worth waging wars and plundering hostile environments for. . . .

Need I mention that once you begin to appreciate the finitude of the Earth’s endowment of petroleum, there’s nothing to stop you from taking immediate steps to curb your personal consumption of this irreplaceable fuel. Whatever you do to lessen your dependence on petroleum will turn out to be a much more satisfying and meaningful response to our energy predicament than any canned protest promoted through Facebook.

As for myself, I made two resolutions since the Macondo well erupted. The first is to go through this summer without activating the household air-conditioner. So far, so good, I can report. (Luckily, we were spared the triple-digit temperature swelterfest that gripped the East Coast last week). It wasn’t that long ago that life without air-conditioning was the norm rather than the exception. If we all resolved not to turn on air-conditioners, we could force the retirement of two to three coal-fired plants in this state.

The other change was to ratchet up my reliance on my bicycle and make it the default vehicle for all my local travels, irrespective of weather conditions. I have been a fair-weather bicycle commuter for many years, but after watching everyone on TV blame someone else for the catastrophe, I felt the need to push myself a little harder. My objective here is to regard my car as a luxury that one day I might do without.

Though the extra perspiration and the occasional dodging of raindrops may take some getting used to, you are going to sleep better at night. Trust me on this.

If the oil spill has prompted a similar response from you, feel free to describe them and send them to the moderator of our Peak Oil blog or post them in a response.

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Oconomowoc among communities reaching energy independence

From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle on the success of the ten communities in Energy Independent (EI) Pilot -- Brown County; Chequamegon Bay (including the cities of Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn, the towns of Bayfield and La Pointe, the counties of Ashland and Bayfield, the Red Cliff tribe and the Bay Area Regional Transit authority); Columbus; Evansville; Fairfield; Marshfield; Oconomowoc; Osceola, including the school district; Platteville and Lancaster; Spring Green, including the school district:

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced ten Energy Independent (EI) Pilot Communities are well on their way toward achieving “25 x 25” – getting 25 percent of their electricity and 25 percent of their transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025.

“Through the EI Pilot program communities have found ways to reduce their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Governor Doyle. “This is significant considering we spend $16 billion on fossil fuel energy every year in Wisconsin, and all those dollars go outside of our state. We are finding ways to reduce our dependence
and generate jobs in Wisconsin.”

Two independent reports released by the Office of Energy Independence revealed how the ten EI Pilot Communities were able to accomplish 98 percent of their collective 25 x 25 goal.

The communities reduced their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent and reduced their 2025 carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent.

The information gathered by the EI Pilot Communities will assist Wisconsin local units of government including the 140 EI Communities to decide which strategies will work best with their unique assets and capitalize on the diversity of their resources.

The reports were conducted by two non-partisan research and policy organizations: the Local Government Institute and the Energy Center of Wisconsin.

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All together for change

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A Cruel Month for Clean Energy

A commentary
by Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
May 4, 2010

Renewable energy businesses and activists entered the month of April with high hopes of seeing the State Legislature pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), a comprehensive bill designed to propel Wisconsin toward energy independence, along the way creating thousands of new jobs and strengthening the sustainable energy marketplace. This comprehensive bill would have raised the renewable energy content of electricity sold in Wisconsin, while stepping up ratepayer support for smaller-scale renewable energy installations throughout the state.

Unfortunately, on April 22, the State Senate adjourned for the year without taking action on the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill, effectively killing the measure and leaving hundreds of businesses and individuals who campaigned for the bill empty-handed.

If life imitates poetry, then the line that opens T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land—“April is the cruelest month”—aptly encapsulates the evolution of a campaign that overcame many obstacles in the final weeks only to be undermined by the unwillingness of Senate leaders to schedule a vote on the bill. The sense of anticipation that began the month was swept away by a combination of personal feuds, extreme partisanship, and increasingly polarized public attitudes toward climate change. That the bill’s demise coincided with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day was seen by supporters as an especially cruel twist of fate.

It certainly didn’t help matters that the some of the state’s most politically entrenched constituencies banded together to fight CEJA at every stage of the process. Among the hard-core opponents were Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Paper Council and the Farm Bureau. Their vociferous opposition scuttled bipartisanship, eliminating the possibility that a Republican legislator would vote for the bill.

Working hand-in-glove with vitriolic right-wing radio talk show hosts, the opposition supplied their grassroots faithful with a smorgasbord of exaggerated claims, hyperbole, outright fantasy, and pseudoscience. Though the analysis purporting to document the opposition’s assertions set a new low in academic rigor, it succeeded in its aim, which was to plant the seeds of fear among certain legislators about the ultimate cost of this legislation before the bill was even introduced.

Working just as vigorously for the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a broad spectrum of interests answered the requests for help. Whether they were one-person solar installation businesses or Fortune 500 corporations like Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls, CEJA supporters wrote letters, made phone calls, and corralled their legislators at the Capitol on several days during March and April.

In dozens of face-to-face meetings with their representatives, CEJA supporters made the case for this bill by bringing out their own experiences as business owners, farmers, educators, builders, and skilled tradesmen. They presented a local and highly personal angle to the clean energy policy debate that many legislators had not appreciated before. Their passion and energy were instrumental in giving this bill a fighting chance for passage at the end of the session. Unfortunately, the campaign could not overcome the pique of the Senate Democrats.

One legislator who kept pushing this ambitious bill up the legislative hill until the very last day was Assembly representative Spencer Black, who was one of the four principal authors of the measure. CEJA supporters are indebted to Rep. Black for his vigorous leadership and his determined efforts to round up support among his compatriots for passing this bill.

Two rays of sunlight did manage to pierce through the heavy clouds at the close of April, prompted by the dedication of the two largest wind turbines owned by Wisconsin schools. In each case, the school erected a 100-kilowatt Northwind turbine manufactured by Vermont-based Northern Power Systems. One serves Wausau East High School while the other feeds power to the Madison Area Technical College’s Fort Atkinson branch. The turbines will offset a significant fraction of the electricity consumed at each school.

Located well within the city limits of Wausau and Fort Atkinson, these 155-foot-tall wind generators eloquently testify to the breadth and depth of public support for renewable energy across Wisconsin. Next January, the Legislature will witness the return of clean energy supporters with similar legislation for strengthening Wisconsin’s renewable energy marketplace. In the meantime, we will be working hard to achieve a very different outcome.

END

Michael Vickerman is the executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a sustainable energy advocacy organization headquartered in Madison. For more information on Wisconsin renewable energy policy, visit RENEW’s web site at: www.renewwisconsin.org.

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Over 200 businesses pledge support for Clean Energy Jobs Act

From a news release issued by Clean Wisconsin:

Regionally Diverse Large and Small Businesses Among Supporters

MADISON -- In a show of support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act, the Wisconsin business community delivered a letter signed by over 200 Wisconsin businesses to state legislators today highlighting the economic and job-creation benefits of strong energy efficiency and renewable energy policies.

"As businesses currently working in the production, installation and maintenance of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems we understand better than anyone that clean energy policies create jobs and stimulate local economies," read the letter. "By enacting statewide policies that will help Wisconsinites make their homes and businesses more energy efficient or invest in renewable energy, the state Legislature will create thousands of jobs and help support local businesses like ours..."

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the job-creation potential of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. A recent study from the Office of Energy Independence estimates that the bill would create over 15,000 jobs in the state.

"Wisconsin’s businesses support the Clean Energy Jobs Act because they recognize its enormous potential to create jobs and aid economic recovery," said Keith Reopelle, senior policy director at Clean Wisconsin. "With strong renewable energy and energy efficiency policies, Wisconsin can become a leader in the production of clean energy technologies."

"Clean energy policies like those in the Clean Energy Jobs Act help businesses like Wave Wind grow," said Dionne Lummus at Wave Wind Energy located in Sun Prairie. "Increased demand for renewable energy means an increased demand for our services, which translates to more jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin."

A report released this morning by the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that securing 25 percent of the state’s renewable electricity by 2025, a main provision of the bill, is affordable and easily achievable. In fact, the report illustrates that generating 25 percent of Wisconsin’s current electricity load would require only 5 percent of the state’s renewable energy potential.

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Green Energy Summit kicks off

From a news release issued by Johnson Controls:

MILWAUKEE – (March 24, 2010) – Johnson Controls (NYSE: JC), the global industrial leader in providing energy efficient and sustainable products, services and solutions, will showcase notable Wisconsin energy projects and best practices at the 2010 Green Energy Summit, March 24-26, at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee.

“Supporting the advancement of renewable and green energy technology is essential to the economic and environmental future of Wisconsin,” said Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. “The Green Energy Summit is a great way to bring Wisconsin business leaders together to share solutions and ideas that will create a more sustainable future. Johnson Controls is proud to be a founding partner of the summit.”

Johnson Controls executives will participate in key plenary sessions and workshops that demonstrate the future of green energy solutions in the state.

Featured Sessions
• Green Business Strategies for the Midwest – Mary Ann Wright, vice president and managing director of Johnson Controls’ Business Accelerator for Advanced Energy Storage Solutions, will address how hybrid and electric lithium-ion battery technologies are leading the charge to a sustainable energy future.
• Green Energy Initiatives and Development – Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls Building Efficiency, will discuss how the integration of energy efficiency and renewable solutions can help schools, businesses and government buildings reduce costs while making a positive impact on the environment.
• Job Opportunities in the New Green Economy – Jim Simpson, director of higher education solutions in the Americas for Johnson Controls Building Efficiency, will talk about the future of green jobs in Wisconsin as they relate to colleges and universities.

Other topical sessions that Johnson Controls representatives will speak at include The Role of Water in the New Green Economy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Management, and a Solar Thermal Symposium.

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