Wisconsin residents, businesses save over $239 million annually in energy costs

From a news release issued by Governor Doyle:

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that Wisconsin residents, farms and businesses have saved more than $239 million in annual energy costs through energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives with assistance from the Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program. Wisconsin recently ranked fifth in the country for energy efficiency accomplishments according to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

“These energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives translate into real economic and environmental benefits for people and businesses in Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “We are working hard to make Wisconsin a national leader in clean energy initiatives and energy projects that will help create jobs, make America energy independent, and protect our environment for generations to come.”

Focus on Energy works with Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. They provide information, resources and financial incentives help to help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs and protect the environment.

The $239 million in annual savings is equivalent to:
+ The amount of electricity consumed annually by approximately 173,000 average homes in Wisconsin.
+ The amount of natural gas consumed annually by more than 89,000 average Wisconsin homes.
+ Almost 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide
+ The amount of electricity produced by burning 8,650 rail car loads of coal.
+ The same energy value as 4.9 million barrels of oil.