Focus on Energy is a statewide program in

Wisconsin Wisconsin () is a state in the upper Midwestern United States. Wisconsin is the 25th-largest state by total area and the 20th-most populous. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake M ...

that offers information and services to help residents and businesses select and install cost-effective solutions that save energy and money.

Overview

Focus on Energy was formed in 2001 as Wisconsin's statewide

energy efficiency Energy efficiency may refer to: * Energy efficiency (physics), the ratio between the useful output and input of an energy conversion process ** Electrical efficiency, useful power output per electrical power consumed ** Mechanical efficiency, a ra ...

and

renewable resource A renewable resource, also known as a flow resource, is a natural resource which will replenish to replace the portion resource depletion, depleted by usage and consumption, either through natural reproduction or other recurring processes in a ...

initiative. The program's goals are to work with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to help them manage rising energy costs, promote in-state

economic development In the economics study of the public sector, economic and social development is the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community, or an individual are improved according to targeted goals and o ...

, protect the environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. Through 2008, Focus on Energy has helped Wisconsin residents and businesses save $239 million and 1,729,990,576 kilowatt hours.State of Wisconsin: Office of the Governor
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History

Focus was originally formed by the

Wisconsin Legislature The Wisconsin Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the upper house, Wisconsin State Senate, and the lower Wisconsin State Assembly, both of which have had Republican ...

in 1999 and funded by the Utility Public Benefits fund. In 2001, the Department of Administration rolled out the Focus on Energy Program statewide, in partnership with consumers, utilities, businesses,

nonprofit organizations A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

and governmental agencies. Per the legislation, Focus aims to: :* Reduce the amount of energy used per unit of production in Wisconsin, while improving energy reliability. :* Enhance economic development and make Wisconsin firms more competitive. :* Reduce the

environmental impacts Environmental issues are effects of human activity on the biophysical environment, most often of which are harmful effects that cause environmental degradation. Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment on t ...

of energy use. :* Expand the ability of markets to deliver energy efficient and renewable energy

goods and services Goods are items that are usually (but not always) tangible, such as pens, physical books, salt, apples, and hats. Services are activities provided by other people, who include architects, suppliers, contractors, technologists, teachers, doctor ...

to consumers and businesses. :* Deliver quantified financial returns on public investments in energy improvements. Unde
2005 Wisconsin Act 141
Wisconsin Legislative Council Information Memorandum, 2005 Wisconsin Act 141:Energy Efficiency, Renewable Resources, and Energy Policy
/ref> investor-owned electric and natural-gas utilities are required to spend 1.2 percent of their annual gross operating revenues on energy efficiency programs and renewable resource programs. The Act requires municipal and

electric cooperative A utility cooperative is a type of cooperative that is tasked with the delivery of a public utility such as electricity, water or telecommunications to its members. Profits are either reinvested for infrastructure or distributed to members in ...

utilities that choose not to conduct their own programs to contribute revenue to the statewide program (Focus on Energy) created and funded by investor-owned utilities. Municipal and electric cooperative utilities can elect to operate their own Commitment to Community programs.

References

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External links

Official website
Energy conservation Government of Wisconsin Environment of Wisconsin