Focus on Energy program hailed as cutting edge

From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (July 10, 2008) - In its recent report titled, "Global Warming Solutions That Work," Environment America's Research & Policy Center cited Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, as an example of a cutting-edge program. Focus was lauded for it efforts to keep jobs in the state and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving money on energy costs.

The report specifically recognized the work Focus has done with industrial facilities. Because these facilities typically use a lot of energy for operational purposes, the opportunities for energy efficiency and related energy costs savings abound. Yet, industrial facilities are not the only business sector Focus works with. The program also provides energy saving options for schools and local governments and commercial and agricultural facilities. To date businesses that have worked with Focus have saved nearly 700 million kilowatt-hours, 50 million therms and more than $100 million in energy costs.

"We know the Focus on Energy Program is providing the state with innumerable environmental and economic benefits, and we are proud to be recognized as an example for others to emulate," said Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) Chairperson Eric Callisto. "We all win when steps are taken to combat global warming and fortunately many residents in the state realize this and have taken advantage of the Focus on Energy Programs available to them."

Environment America is the latest in a series of organizations to recognize Focus on Energy for its contributions to the environment and the citizens of Wisconsin. In the past several months, the program was also recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.