by jboullion | Jul 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Wisconsin needs more wind-powered energy, and it should do what it can to encourage the growth of wind power. That should include the adoption of uniform statewide siting rules for large wind farms, as proposed in legislation sponsored by state Sen. Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee).
But municipalities such as Menomonee Falls are smart to move forward with their own rules governing the erection of a wind turbine in someone’s back yard to reduce energy costs. Local officials need to address the regulatory issue to give guidance to residents as interest in wind power grows.
In a Monday article, Journal Sentinel reporter Lisa Sink noted that Menomonee Falls village employees began researching the question after a local resident expressed interest in installing a small wind turbine in his yard. Staff could offer little guidance because the village does not have specific regulations on wind turbines.
Nor is Menomonee Falls alone. Staff found no ordinances in the Milwaukee area but reviewed about 10 from other parts of the state, mainly where major commercial wind farms have been built or are planned for construction.
Kelly Lang, marketing manager for Focus on Energy’s renewable energy program, told Sink that interest in smaller systems is growing. The program has assisted more than 50 small wind turbine installations across the state, with more than 15 to be added by the end of the year and others planned for 2010, she said. About 10 have been installed in southeastern Wisconsin, including two in Mequon.
So communities need to start thinking about what they want.
by jboullion | Jul 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Focus on Energy:
Whether you are a resident of an apartment or condominium, own apartment buildings, or are a condo owners’ association, Focus on Energy has energy saving programs for you. Choose the program that is best for you.
Programs for Apartment and Condo Residents
The Apartment & Condo Efficiency Services Program provides energy efficiency information for residents of apartments or condos. Whether you are looking for tips to keep your apartment comfortable and keep your energy bills low or need help finding ENERGY STAR® qualified products, we can help.
Programs for Apartment Owners
Focus on Energy’s Apartment & Condo Efficiency Services Program specializes in energy efficiency for new and existing multi-unit residential properties. Owners, developers and residents turn to us for the information, technical expertise and financial incentives to help them make their properties more energy efficient.
by jboullion | Jul 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an post by Jeramey Jannene on Urban Milwaukee:
When the budget finally made it to his desk, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle used his extensive veto powers in a lot of ways. The most significant of which was arguably the line-item veto of the Milwaukee Transit Authority and the proposed 0.65% sales tax increase for Milwaukee County. Doyle did not veto SERTA, the authority which is to run the KRM commuter rail line, and the $18 rental car tax. This veto puts back on the drawing board Doyle’s proposal for a three-county sales tax to fund the KRM and bus service in Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee Counties, while at the same time not delaying the KRM development process.
The move, which many see as a slam of Milwaukee by Doyle, arguably shouldn’t be completely viewed that way. Doyle did propose a three-county sales tax of up to 0.5% for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties to establish an authority that would operate all of the transit in the area including the KRM. Doyle’s reasoning for the veto was that the MTA didn’t have a regional approach.
by jboullion | Jul 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
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From a news release issued by Madison Gas and Electric:
MADISON, Wis. – (Business Wire) Wisconsin’s first large-scale wind farm began producing clean, renewable electric power 10 years ago today in Kewaunee County. The 17-turbine, 11.22-megawatt facility built and owned by Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is located near Rosiere. Since 1999, the facility has produced over 215,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, enough power to supply 3,000 homes annually.
The facility was built in direct response to MGE customers who wanted to purchase green energy for their homes and businesses. The wind farm’s generating capacity available for green energy sales was sold out in less than four months. Over the last 10 years, MGE has increased its wind energy portfolio by 12 times as strong customer support for renewable energy continues. MGE customers have one of the highest participation rates nationally in green energy programming offered by investor-owned utilities.
“We are grateful to the landowners and communities that support this project,” said Lynn Hobbie, MGE senior vice president. “We also thank the customers who have made our green pricing program so successful.”
“In 10 years, wind generation has completed the transition from boutique energy to a bulk power,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin. “Early commitments to wind power from utilities like MGE helped make that happen and were instrumental to that industry’s subsequent growth and maturation.”
At the time, MGE’s Rosiere facility was the largest wind farm in the Eastern United States. Today the wind farm is one of nine commercial facilities in Wisconsin. Wind-generating capacity in Wisconsin totals nearly 450 megawatts.
by jboullion | Jul 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the Green Squared Building Association:
Our group is devoted to promoting more energy-efficient and earth-friendly buildings in the River Valley Area.
We are builders, architects, building material manufacturers, contractors, consultants,
and other interested individuals.
Our Guiding Principles:
Efficient use of energy and water
Use of local materials and labor
Use of renewable energy and resources
Durability of Construction
Reuse and Recycling of materials
Creating buildings that are healthy for occupants and the environment
Founding Members:
Julie Kardatzke
Julie Kardatzke Architect, LLC
408 West Leeson Street, Spring Green, WI 53588
608 588 7105
email: juliekardatzke@verizon.net
website: JKarchitecture.com
Jim Birkemeier
Timbergreen Farm
S11478 Soeldner Rd
Spring Green, WI 53588
608 588 7342
email: Jim@timbergrowers.com
website: TimberGrowers.com Local Wood
David Schinke
David J. Schinke Contruction, LLC
3881 Schreiner Rd
Spring Green, WI 53588
608 583 2737
email: dschinke@merr.com
Log Homes, Timber Frames, Standard Construction
Alex Greene
Red Beard Lumber, LLC
PO Box 88
Spring Green, WI 53588
608 354 2585
email: alexander.m.greene@gmail.com
Red Beard Lumber – Spring Green, WI
Nate Robson
Robson Construction
E4655 Ruetten Dr.
Spring Green WI 53588
(608)574-1171 email: nrobson72@charter.net New Construction, Remodeling, Windows, Siding, & Decks.
Bryan Butteris
Butteris Construction and Woodworking, LLC
3698 Sinbad Rd
Dodgeville, WI 53533
608 574 8810
email: Bryan@Butteris.com
website: www.Butteris.com
Custom Homes, Timber Framiing
Jerry Anding
ASAP Heating and Cooling, LLC
Spring Green, WI 53588
608 588 2727
608 370 2727
Sales, Service, Installation of Heating and Cooling Systems
by jboullion | Jul 1, 2009 | Uncategorized
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From a news release issued by Madison Gas and Electric:
MADISON, Wis. – (Business Wire) Wisconsin’s first large-scale wind farm began producing clean, renewable electric power 10 years ago today in Kewaunee County. The 17-turbine, 11.22-megawatt facility built and owned by Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is located near Rosiere. Since 1999, the facility has produced over 215,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, enough power to supply 3,000 homes annually.
The facility was built in direct response to MGE customers who wanted to purchase green energy for their homes and businesses. The wind farm’s generating capacity available for green energy sales was sold out in less than four months. Over the last 10 years, MGE has increased its wind energy portfolio by 12 times as strong customer support for renewable energy continues. MGE customers have one of the highest participation rates nationally in green energy programming offered by investor-owned utilities.
“We are grateful to the landowners and communities that support this project,” said Lynn Hobbie, MGE senior vice president. “We also thank the customers who have made our green pricing program so successful.”
“In 10 years, wind generation has completed the transition from boutique energy to a bulk power,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin. “Early commitments to wind power from utilities like MGE helped make that happen and were instrumental to that industry’s subsequent growth and maturation.”
At the time, MGE’s Rosiere facility was the largest wind farm in the Eastern United States. Today the wind farm is one of nine commercial facilities in Wisconsin. Wind-generating capacity in Wisconsin totals nearly 450 megawatts.
