by jboullion | Oct 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
MADISON — The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association will receive a $16,500 grant to conduct energy audits on cranberry marshes, the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced Friday.
The Wisconsin Rapids-based association will partner with Focus on Energy to assess the feasibility of cranberry marshes as sites for wind and solar energy production. The study is one of 12 projects and eight state-facilitated programs to collectively garner nearly $750,000 awarded to make specialty crops more competitive.
by jboullion | Oct 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Alliant Energy:
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – October 20, 2009 – October is Energy Awareness Month and Alliant Energy has three easy ways consumers can save energy, and best of all, they require little to no investment. Homeowners can lower their energy bills in three simple steps – turn down the thermostat, trade out traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), and complete an energy audit.
“A cleaner environment and more sustainable future are important to many homeowners, and Energy Awareness Month is just another reminder that each of us can contribute to a global energy solution by using energy more efficiently,” said Linda Mattes, Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables at Alliant Energy. “An added benefit is the money homeowners can save on their energy bill.”
Consumers can save approximately ten percent on their annual heating costs by taking the “10 Degree Challenge.” Simply turn the thermostat down by ten degrees for eight hours each day – and save money while working or sleeping.
After turning the thermostat down a few degrees, another easy and effective place to start saving is with lighting. Lighting accounts for 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. Using just one ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL can save an average of $30 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime and prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
CFLs save money by using 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than their old-fashioned counterparts. Because they produce more light than the traditional incandescent light bulbs, customers should purchase a CFL with a lower wattage to get the same amount of light.
Once a homeowner has looked at their thermostat settings and lighting, they can address the rest of the home with an energy audit. My Home Comfort Check Up, a free online audit, helps customers identify where their energy dollars are going. Homeowners can complete the online survey by visiting www.alliantenergy.com/mhcc.
by jboullion | Oct 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
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From Ask Bob, a feature on the Web site of Madison Gas and Electric.
by jboullion | Oct 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story in The Capital Times:
With winter approaching, Alliant Energy is urging qualified utility customers to apply for energy assistance.
The company says more households are eligible for assistance due to the economic downturn, so people are urged to apply as soon as possible through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Residents can apply with their local county office through May 15, 2010, or until funds are exhausted.
The dollar amount of the payment varies, but the program will help households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the state median income. This means a family of four that makes about $45,000 or less per year, or a two-person household making $30,600 or less, may qualify for assistance.
Frank Galle, Alliant Energy senior manager of customer support, recommends that customers who think they may qualify apply right away.
“In these challenging economic times, it’s important that people know that they do not have to wait until they are behind on their utility bills to receive energy assistance,” said Galle. “We encourage customers to check their eligibility now and apply as soon as possible if they qualify for funds.”
Customers can find their nearest county agency by calling 1-866-432-8947 or by visiting http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
by jboullion | Oct 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by the NEW Air Coalition of Fond du Lac County in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
As cold weather sweeps in, more and more Wisconsinites turn to outdoor wood boilers to heat their homes.
Wood is a renewable fuel, and the operating costs of wood burners often seem lower than natural gas or electric heat. But we often overlook the cost to air quality.
Because outdoor wood boilers burn over long periods of time and can use green or partially dried wood, they can produce 10 times the smoke of other wood-burning heat sources. Burning wood produces more fine-particle pollution than burning coal, says UW-Extension Pollution Prevention Specialist David Liebl. Inhaling fine particles, even over short periods of time, can aggravate lung conditions like asthma and bring on heart attacks or arrhythmia.
At this time, there aren’t many regulations governing residential wood burning. The amount of emissions can vary by the type of appliance, type of wood, moisture content, air damper setting and weather conditions.
Some municipalities have rules on where outdoor wood boilers can be located, restrictions on when they can be used (such as a ban during air quality alerts), or prohibit them outright.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has determined that neighboring residents are at risk of adverse health effects if they can see visible plumes or smell the wood smoke.
To minimize the risks, only clean, dry wood should be used as heating fuel. Because price and performance of wood as fuel can vary, residents do not always see the cost savings they hoped for.
