State urged to beef up clean energy policies to create jobs

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

Two reports show Wisconsin has a significant renewable power industry, but with a stronger state commitment, it could be saving more energy and creating more jobs.

Wisconsin has more than 300 businesses involved in wind or solar energy, providing more than 12,000 jobs, according to a study by the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago.

It found 171 Wisconsin companies that either produce, sell or install wind power equipment or plan wind development.

Another 135 companies are part of the solar energy industry. For example, Cardinal Glass makes solar panels in Mazomanie; Helios recently opened a solar panel factory in Milwaukee.

"These are real jobs; these are real businesses. Many are existing businesses that are branching out into new product lines," said Howard Learner, the center's executive director.

Wisconsin slips five notches in energy efficiency ranking

The a news release issued by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy does notm mention Wisconsin, but Wisconsin's rank shows up on page vi in the report:

Washington, D.C.—A sour U.S. economy, tight state budgets, and a failure by Congress to adopt a comprehensive energy strategy have not slowed the growing momentum among U.S. states toward increased energy efficiency, according to the fifth edition of the annual ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) during a National Press Club news conference.

[T]he ACEEE Scorecard shows that the top 10 states are: Massachusetts (taking the #1 position for the first time); California (slipping from the top spot it held for the first four editions of the ACEEE Scorecard); New York State; Oregon; Vermont; Washington State; Rhode Island; Minnesota, Connecticut; and Maryland (making its first appearance in the top 10 and also one of the six most improved states in the 2011 ACEEE Scorecard).

The 10 states most in need of improvement (starting with dead last) are: North Dakota; Wyoming; Mississippi; Kansas; Oklahoma; South Carolina; West Virginia; Missouri; Alabama (also one of the top six most improved states); and South Dakota.

The six most improved states include Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee.

“Energy efficiency is America’s abundant, untapped energy resource and the states continue to press forward to reap its economic and environmental benefits,” said ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel. “The message here is that energy efficiency is a pragmatic, bipartisan solution that political leaders from both sides of the aisle can support. As they have over the past decades, states continue to provide the leadership needed to forge an energy-efficient economy, which reduces energy costs, spurs job growth, and benefits the environment.”

Mpower Business ChaMpions: It's all about sustainability

Focus on Energy Announces Residential Program Implementation Firms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MADISON, WI. (October 3, 2011) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin Utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced the selection of the following firms to implement seven residential energy efficiency programs:

• Prescriptive Incentive Program: Resource Solutions Group (RSG)
• Appliance Recycling Program: JACO Environmental
• Single Family and Multi-Family Direct Install Program: Conservation Services Group (CSG)
• Multi-Family Comprehensive Program: Franklin Energy
• Single Family Comprehensive Upgrade Program: Conservation Services Group (CSG)
• Upstream Lighting and Appliance (Retailer) Program: Applied Proactive Technology (APT)
• Low-Moderate Income Program: Resource Solutions Group (RSG) and Conservation Services Group (CSG)

“We are excited to begin working with these firms to reduce costs, serve more customers, expand program offerings and create jobs for the citizens of Wisconsin,” said William S. Haas, project manager for Focus on Energy.

Program implementers were selected by a bid evaluation team, which included representatives from Focus on Energy’s program administrator, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and a utility representative appointed by the Statewide Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration. The process was open to all qualified bidders with winners selected based on their capabilities, project experience, program approach and cost effectiveness.

Focus on Energy will work with customers and the current program implementers to ensure a smooth transition to the new implementers where applicable. The new residential energy efficiency programs will launch on Janunary 1, 2012. Please visit www.focusonenergy.com to receive program details as they become available.