by jboullion | Nov 14, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:
More Wisconsin residents may now be eligible for Focus on Energy’s assistance program which offers limited-income homeowners low-cost efficiency improvements to improve the comfort, safety and affordability of their homes. The assistance program called Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, is now seeking applications from homeowners with incomes between 150-250 percent of the poverty level, which is a significant increase from the past maximum of 200 percent. To put the new maximum into perspective, a family of four’s maximum eligible annual income increased to $53,000 from the previous $42,400. . . .
Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, is part of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program. Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR offers qualifying homeowners a no-cost energy evaluation performed by a qualified program provider. Depending on the results of the evaluation, the home may receive energy efficiency improvements, such as adding insulation, finding and eliminating drafts, replacing an inefficient heating system, installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and more. Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR will pay 90 percent of the costs of the energy efficiency improvements – the homeowner pays just 10 percent.
Energy efficient homes save energy and money all year long. In summer, a home that’s properly sealed and insulated stays cooler and more comfortable, reducing the need for fans and air conditioners during hot daylight hours. In winter, energy efficient homes keep warm air inside, improving comfort and reducing heating costs during Wisconsin’s coldest months.
Homeowners wishing to apply for Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR are encouraged to call Focus on Energy at (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com to download an application.
by jboullion | Nov 12, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a story by Dorothy Jasperson in the Westby Times:
The Westby Wind Energy project is no longer just blowing in the wind after Westby City Council members agreed with a planning commission consensus to offer conditional use permits to Heartland Wind LLC.
The permits are for the implementation of three wind turbines on city-owned and annexed land west of Westby. Heartland Wind LLC is the Illinois limited liability company that will be leasing land from the city of Westby and Glen Stalsberg, who owns property adjacent to the city.
The contract easement will allow Heartland Wind LLC to lease the property for 20 years, conduct soil testing, studies and surveys and make payments of $1,000 per year, per turbine site during construction phase and $6,000 annually per turbine once they are operational.
After the 20-year lease has expired the company may offer two five-year renewals for a possible total 30-year contract. Heartland Wind LLC will be responsible for property taxes as a result of the turbine installation and carry a broad form insurance policy against any liabilities incurred with the project. If the project fails Heartland Wind LLC would be responsible for the removal of all the facilities, including foundations to a depth of 48 inches and all removal would have to occur with six months of the contract cancellation. . . .
The initial project calls for the construction of three wind generated turbines at a cost of $3-4 million dollars per unit, with construction anticipated to begin in 2009 or early 2010. Once operational the wind turbines could produce up to 100 percent of the energy now used by residents in the city of Westby, depending on wind speeds and electricity usage, but that doesn’t equate to a reduction in residential and commercial electric rates since the power generated by the turbines from the test project will be purchased as a whole by WPPI, the power purchaser for the Westby Utilities. The overall savings as more natural energy is generated throughout the state by projects like the one EcoEnergy is developing in Westby will be seen in future savings by all WPPI members, not initial reductions for customers living where the wind turbines are located.
by jboullion | Nov 7, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a media advisory issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin:
This message is to inform you that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is expected to make a decision on the Alliant Energy proposed coal fire power plant next week Tuesday, November 11, at the PSC’s open commission meeting.
In early 2007, Alliant Energy filed an application with the PSC for permission to build a new 300 megawatt coal-fired electric generation facility. Alliant Energy has indentified two possible locations for the power plant – their Nelson Dewey Generating Station property in Cassville and the Columbia Energy Center in Portage. The PSC has the authority to approve, deny or modify any proposed electric construction project.
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Amnicon Falls Hearing Room – 1st floor
610 N. Whitney Way, Madison WI
by jboullion | Nov 5, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article by Jeremiah Tucker in The Sauk Prairie Eagle:
The primary reason Stan Temple is installing a large solar-panel unit outside his home is environmental.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Temple said.
But after that, it’s all about the green — and he doesn’t mean energy.
Originally, Temple and his wife, Jane Rundell, were going to install the panels before Dec. 31 when a federal tax credit for solar energy was scheduled to expire.
But when Congress passed the Wall Street bailout package last month a rider was added that extended the 30 percent tax credit for eight years and removed its $2,000 cap.
“If your tax burden don’t exceed that amount, you’ll get a refund,” Temple said.
Now Temple is waiting to activate his solar panels until Jan. 1 in order to take advantage of the new legislation.
After the federal tax credit, Temple also will receive a credit from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program that provides financial incentives for installing renewable energy sources.
And because of a deal he struck with Alliant Energy, he won’t even be using the panels to power his home.
“Alliant will buy my solar power for 25 cents per kilowatt hour, and I pay 11,” Temple said.
Alliant now joins MG&E and We Energies in paying a premium rate for customer-generated solar electricity.
by jboullion | Nov 3, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a column by State Senator Dale Schultz:
As Wisconsin employers increasingly turn to our state’s rail roads to get their goods to a global market, state residents and communities enjoy the benefits of keeping jobs here, cleaner air from less truck emissions, and safer roads with less truck traffic.
Those benefits make our state owned railroad system a great investment and explain why I believe, despite a tough fiscal climate, we should increase funding to preserve the infrastructure of our public rail system in the next state budget.
Our public railroad system, which serves numerous communities, has been a great benefit by helping employers compete in the global market and keep family supporting jobs in Wisconsin.
The system also helps many villages and cities with their community development goals by generating increased tax revenues as employers invest in plant expansions and equipment.
In the past two years, in just the region I represent as a state senator, our public rail system has led to new jobs and tax base through major projects in Boscobel, Reedsburg and Rock Springs. For numerous state communities, rail service has been an essential asset to save jobs and create new jobs.
As rail shipping replaces thousands of truck trips, our roads last longer, our carbon footprint shrinks and we all breathe cleaner air.
The state helps communities and rail shippers save freight rail service through its Freight Rail Preservation Program. FRPP grants fund up to 80 percent of projects to rehabilitate tracks and bridges on public rail lines, buy essential rail lines so they aren’t abandoned, and save rail corridors for future rail service and sometimes as recreational trails in the interim.
While freight rail traffic is growing in Wisconsin, FRPP funding is falling far short of the needs. In the current state budget, FRPP funds met less than ten percent of the needs, forcing delays of badly needed projects on public owned rail lines. Since 1992, most FRPP funding went to add rail lines to our public system as a last resort to avoid loss of rail service for communities.
