The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) has honored a new program that has helped more than 9,000 Wisconsin small businesses slash energy costs over the past 14 months with its 2013 Inspiring Efficiency Innovation Award. The Small Business Program -- run by Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource entity Focus on Energy, helps owners of businesses that typically use less than 100 kW of electricity per month, such as restaurants, day care centers and agricultural producers, find ways to save energy.
"Focus on Energy's program illustrates the many ways that energy efficiency is financially beneficial for business," said MEEA Executive Director Doug Newman. "The program created new economic opportunities while also helping existing small businesses save money on their energy bills and invest in more important things, like products and payroll. We hope others around the Midwest and across the country will take notice of Focus on Energy's success and follow suit."
The program uses a statewide network of specially trained contractors to conduct free energy-use assessments, point out energy inefficiencies like outdated lighting or unwrapped water pipes and install products to help address problem areas.
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) has honored a new program that has helped more than 9,000 Wisconsin small businesses slash energy costs over the past 14 months with its 2013 Inspiring Efficiency Innovation Award. The Small Business Program -- run by Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource entity Focus on Energy, helps owners of businesses that typically use less than 100 kW of electricity per month, such as restaurants, day care centers and agricultural producers, find ways to save energy.
"Focus on Energy's program illustrates the many ways that energy efficiency is financially beneficial for business," said MEEA Executive Director Doug Newman. "The program created new economic opportunities while also helping existing small businesses save money on their energy bills and invest in more important things, like products and payroll. We hope others around the Midwest and across the country will take notice of Focus on Energy's success and follow suit."
The program uses a statewide network of specially trained contractors to conduct free energy-use assessments, point out energy inefficiencies like outdated lighting or unwrapped water pipes and install products to help address problem areas.
Participants receive free energy assessments and installation of energy-efficient products, such as new LED lamps, CFLs, pipe wrap and faucet aerators, at no cost. Businesses also have the option to upgrade to a gold or custom package to secure additional energy-efficient products at limited cost with up to $3,500 in incentives.
By establishing a wide-reaching network of contractors who are incentivized to enroll customers, conduct assessments and install energy efficient products, the program not only increases efficiency of delivery but also brings local economic development to communities throughout Wisconsin.
To date, nearly 150 specially trained contractors have made more than 9,000 assessments and performed nearly 6,000 installations of energy-efficient products, saving businesses more than 100 million kWh of electricity and $12 million in energy costs.
"Small businesses are a traditionally underserved market for efficiency programs," said Focus on Energy Small Business Program Manager Nathan Baer. "They also often have some of the most outdated and inefficient equipment, such as old light fixtures and furnaces. Through this program, we were able to overcome barriers of cost and inconvenience and deliver significant savings to businesses throughout the state."
