Wisconsin Dells – Already a leader in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions was honored Tuesday for being a leader in energy efficiency when the company was presented an Energy Efficiency Excellence Award.
Working with Alliant Energy, Kalahari completed numerous energy efficiency projects last year at its hotel and waterpark in Wisconsin Dells. Those projects included hundreds of new LED lights in the hotel lobby and corridors, a more efficient pool filtration system, and waterslide controls that operate based on rider occupancy.
“What I love right now is whenever our team works with Focus on Energy, and we’re meeting constantly and you’re bringing new ideas, fresh ideas. And I use you as an example for my other resorts as to how you efficiently manage our energy,” said Kalahari owner Todd Nelson. “Working with Focus has been like the biggest victory we’ve had on the utility side of things.”
“This is amazing. We feel we have a really great relationship with Kalahari and with Focus on Energy. And I think that all these three forces coming together have resulted in just great results,” said Mary Brott, with Alliant Energy.
Kalahari will save more than $145,000 a year in reduced energy costs thanks to the changes made in 2017 and is saving about 200,000 a year when you add in efficiency efforts made in previous years. For the changes made in 2017, Kalahari received a total incentive of more than $50,000 through Focus on Energy’s Business Incentive Program.
“We’re proud to be partners of you. We wish that the other states we do business in had Focus on Energy to the level that you do here,” Nelson told a small group that gathered for Tuesday’s award ceremony at the Wisconsin Dells resort.
That was music to the ears of Wisconsin Public Service Commission Chairman Lon Roberts.
“It’s really good news. We’ve tried very hard in government to create that kind of environment so it’s nice to get that kind of feedback, that for people who have to put their capital at risk every day, this is a good place to do business,” Roberts said after presenting Nelson with the award.
Kalahari is continuing to work with Alliant Energy and Focus on Energy as it builds a new 212,000-square-foot convention center, scheduled to open next year.
“We don’t do anything anymore without working with the energy advisors,” Nelson said.
The Energy Advisor who nominated Kalahari for the award, Mark Lydon, says the resort is set to receive a $140,000 incentive related to steps to reduce energy waste at the facility currently under construction.
Focus on Energy is working with utilities across the state to present 16 Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards to outstanding businesses, schools and institutions.
A recent evaluation report found every $1 invested in Focus on Energy programs creates $5.93 in benefits for Wisconsin, including economic benefits, reduced energy costs, and reduced pollution.
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state's investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control Wisconsin's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
About Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions are full service vacation destinations including meeting & convention facilities that combine America’s largest indoor Waterparks with the magic of Africa. Located in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Sandusky, Ohio; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and soon Round Rock, Texas, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ innovative waterparks, family entertainment centers, luxury spas, adventurous restaurants and convention centers deliver beyond expectations, all under one roof.
