GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers will launch their 100th season with high-reaching energy savings thanks to projects completed with the help of Focus on Energy.
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, gave the Packers a $41,026 incentive check on Wednesday for completing upgrades to Lambeau Field’s stadium lights, boiler, and equipment in the team’s Titletown facilities. Focus on Energy collaborated with the energy efficiency services group at WPS to provide technical assistance that, along with the upgrades, will result in annual savings of $122,154 for the Packers.
These improvements add even more to the Packers’ state-of-the-art facility as the team charges into their 100th season.
“These energy efficient changes make good business sense for the Packers,” said Ted Eisenreich, the Green Bay Packers Director of Facility Operations. “Working with Focus on Energy to upgrade equipment in our facility not only saves us money, but also provides higher-quality lighting for our players and a better experience for our fans.”
“It’s great to be here for this partnership being developed. This is a more high-profile one. When the Green Bay Packers are taking advantage of the Focus on Energy program, it gets a lot of attention,” said Public Service Commissioner Mike Huebsch before presenting the incentives check to Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy. “But there are businesses across this state that are taking advantage of using the products and technology available to reduce the energy they’re using to increase efficiency.”
The new energy-efficient stadium lighting uses about one-third the power of the previous lighting system, saving the team an estimated $100,000 a year in energy costs. That’s enough to power about 100 average Green Bay homes for a year. The Packers are also set to heat up the 2018 season with a new, energy-efficient stadium boiler, as well as upgraded HVAC, lighting, and kitchen equipment for their Titletown facilities.
“Wisconsin Public Service works diligently to be a trusted energy advisor for our customers, and we’re proud to have assisted the Packers in choosing these upgrades,” said Vern Peterson, Vice President of Field Operations for WPS. “From 1265 Lombardi Avenue to residents throughout our service area, we encourage customers to take advantage of our partnership with Focus on Energy, as it can help them best understand and manage their energy use and costs.”
Lambeau Field is in the district of State Senator Rob Cowles, who helped craft the legislation that started the Focus on Energy program in 2001.
“(The Packers have) been a leader. I remember being here some 15 years ago when they announced a bunch of energy efficiency items with Focus(on Energy). So this is the next generation,” Sen. Cowles said of the Packers. “This is just one entity. The Focus(on Energy) program is about residential, commercial, and industrial. And we’re saving gobs of energy. We’re saving lots of money for those entities; limiting the number of power plants we need in this state So it’s a win from several perspectives.”
According to Kevin Kohlbeck, Focus on Energy’s Advisor to the Packers, it took teamwork involving Lambeau Field and Titletown management staff, multiple Trade Allies and Wisconsin Public Service to identify, quantify and implement these projects.
“Focus on Energy is honored to work with the Green Bay Packers and Titletown to make these energy-saving projects possible,” said Erinn Monroe-Nye, Program Director of Focus on Energy. “Collaborations like these help keep jobs, resources, and dollars in-state. All of Wisconsin benefits when organizations like the Packers get in on energy efficiency.”
Focus on Energy partners with 108 electric and natural gas utilities throughout Wisconsin to help eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
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.
