by jboullion | Jun 9, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission:
MADISON – – Utility bills can soar with rising temperatures. To stay cool this summer while conserving energy and keeping costs down, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) offers these easy, low-cost steps:
Use cold water for doing laundry and air dry your clothes on clotheslines.
Wash dishes with cold water and air dry.
Turn off lights when leaving a room.
Check the weather-stripping and caulking for leaks around doors and windows.
Use a microwave oven or cook outside instead of using the stove or oven.
Minimize the amount of time your refrigerator and freezer doors are open.
Use natural lighting and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Ninety percent of the energy used by an incandescent bulb makes heat.
by jboullion | Jun 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Pamela Powers in the Eau Claire Leader Telegram:
MENOMONIE – From photoelectric panes to its solar-powered hot water panels to its geothermal heating and cooling system, a duplex in Menomonie is being transformed into an energy efficient version of its old self.
The West Wisconsin Community Action Agency purchased the duplex on 550th Ave. and is using federal economic stimulus money to make the building not only nicer but more energy efficient.
by jboullion | May 10, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Cara Spoto in the Stevens Point Journal:
Hoping to reduce Portage County’s carbon footprint and save a little money in the process, county leaders will start work this month on a strategic energy plan.
The Smart Energy Team, led by Portage County Executive Patty Dreier and County Board Chairman O. Philip Idsvoog, has a goal of having a plan in place by Dec. 1. Toward that end, the group has received $12,000 in capital improvement dollars, along with a $4,500 grant, which may be used to hire a consultant.
Jennifer Stewart, community development educator with the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Whiting, said the first phase of the planning process will largely consist of taking a snapshot of how much energy the county consumes and in what ways.
“What we have talked about doing at the first meeting is reviewing the scope of the committee’s charge and start identifying first steps,” Stewart said.
From there, the team will draw on the knowledge of experts and its members, including Planning and Zoning Director Jeff Schuler, Facilities Director Todd Neuenfeldt and the chairs of the finance and space and properties committee, to establish a set of goals for consumption, alternative energy use and conservation.
Options for achieving such goals could include retrofitting buildings, altering building operations, purchasing energy-efficient equipment, using alternative energy sources and educating employees.
by jboullion | May 10, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an story by on WXOW-TV, La Crosse:
Onalaska, Wisconsin (WXOW)- How would you like to save three hundred dollars on your home energy bill?
That’s how much one Onalaska man is saving after having his home weatherized for free, thanks to Couleecap.
The private, nonprofit agency will be spending between 6500 dollars and 8500 dollars to weatherize homes that meet eligibility requirements.
With the assistance, the Burkhardt’s were able to re-insulate their home, replace their water heater, and put in a new furnace for free.
In turn, he is able to save money on his energy bills.
In total, Burkhardt is now saving about three hundred dollars.
Burkhardt isn’t the only that stands to see savings.
More than a thousand other homes will also be weatherized like Burkhardt’s was under the Couleecap program.
Executive Director Grace Jones says, “It’s part of the overall energy conservation movement trying to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable.
Which also means less dependence on foreign fuel.
Although the program is free for the recipients, the money is coming from somewhere.
Couleecap has a little more than 8.3 million dollars in its budget for the weatherization program thanks to state and federal dollars, including about 3.6 million dollars coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or stimulus package. . . .
If you think you might be eligible for the weatherization program, go to Couleecap.org.
Or call, Couleecap their in La Crosse in 608-782-4877 or 1-866-717-9490.
