by jboullion | Aug 12, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
(August 12, 2009) – Like many Wisconsin businesses, Columbia Grinding, Inc. started out with a dream, a lot of hard work and limited resources. In 1953 the business opened as a 1,800-square-foot one-man shop in South Milwaukee. By 1978, the production workload grew and the first employee was hired. Today, Columbia Grinding has grown to 35 employees and a 43,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Oak Creek Industrial Park.
Although the company’s values remain the same, over the years Columbia Grinding has enhanced its energy efficiency and high-performance standards to power its state-of-the-art equipment, processes and services.
With the help of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, Columbia Grinding’s Oak Creek, Wis. plant has reduced energy consumption by more than 230,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 14,000 therms of natural gas – enough energy to power 40 houses for a year. The company will also save $33,500 on its energy bills each year.
Since 2008, Columbia Grinding has received $13,500 in cash incentives from Focus on Energy to boost its efforts toward becoming more energy efficient. The biggest energy saver was an innovative air filtration system installed last month that will significantly reduce the facility’s heating and air conditioning loads. The system connects with the existing energy management system to provide automated control of the make-up air and exhaust in the main production area.
by jboullion | Aug 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:
The experts continue to debate the pros and cons of the “Cash for Clunkers” rebate program, but Wisconsin car buyers have already given it a big thumbs-up.
Wisconsin is 10th in the amount of cash requested from the program based on figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation released this week.
Of the nearly $775 million in clunker cash requests so far, more than $24 million came from Wisconsin. Michigan, California and Ohio were the top three states.
The U.S. Senate has approved another $2 billion for the program, which was initially funded with $1 billion.
Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System Act, the measure provides up to $4,500 in taxpayer subsidy for those who trade in an old vehicle for a more efficient model. To qualify, the old car needs to get 18 miles per gallon or less while the new one must get at least 22 mpg.
by jboullion | Aug 10, 2009 | Uncategorized
Wind energy needs vocal support in Wisconsin!
The need for renewable energy in Wisconsin continues to grow.
In October 2008, We Energies proposed the Glacier Hills Wind Park in the towns of Randolph and Scott in Columbia County – approximate 45 miles northeast of Madison. The Glacier Hills Wind Park would consist of 90 turbines and generate 162 megawatts of electricity – enough capacity to power approximately 45,000 homes.
Comments are due regarding the Environmental Impact of the project by September 4, 2009. Now is the time for those of us who believe that wind power is good for the environment and good for Wisconsin to speak out and be heard. If opponents are successful in their quest, the future of wind energy in Wisconsin will be seriously called into question.
Please encourage the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve the construction of the Glacier Hills Wind Park and the need for more wind energy in Wisconsin by submitting comments to the PSC– click here.
If you would rather submit comments in writing or by email:
All comments should reference the PSC docket number: 6630-CE-302
Written comments can be sent to:
Jim Lepinski – Docket Coordinator
Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 7854
Madison, WI 53707-7854
by jboullion | Aug 7, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the Web page of the Solar Decade:
Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!
Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!
•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business
•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business
•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business owners
Keynote speakers
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski
Executive Director of Science and Technology Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, executive director of science and technology partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is a solar-energy industry veteran who has authored hundreds of journal papers and several books on solar photovoltaics. For his years of research and work, “Kaz” has received recognition both nationally and internationally.
Travis Bradford
Founder and President – Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development
Travis Bradford is founder and president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the power of the business sector to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions in technology. In his most recent book, Solar Revolution, Bradford argues that solar energy will become the best and cheapest choice for energy over the next 20 years.
Register here.
by jboullion | Aug 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article on the Milwaukee Consumer:
The Wisconsin State Fair kicks off tomorrow, August 6th, and runs through August 16th. If you do visit the Fair, you might want to consider stopping by the WE Energies Energy Park to learn more about electricity, natural gas, and energy efficiency. The Park is located along the West side of the fairgrounds (along 84th street) and is just North of Gate 4.
Focus on Energy has a game show called “Watt’s it to Ya” at the WE Energies Energy Park at 6:30pm each evening. The game show pits contestants against each other to identify the greatest energy users in a home. If you beat your competitor and move on to the showcase, you have a chance to prove your skills and learn how much you can save by using energy efficiency in your home. To review the complete list of activities at the WE Energies Energy Park, visit the WE Energies website.
