Focus offers grants to pay energy project managers

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

(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.