Press Release:

For Immediate Release
   Media Contacts:
   Mary Woolsey Schlaefer /
   Chris Schultz-Buechner
   WECC
   608.249.9322

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Awarded Grant to Guide WE2 Project in Madison, Milwaukee, and Racine
$20 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to implement energysaving and conservation projects

MADISON, Wis. (April 22, 2010) - Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), a national leader in the design and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, is pleased to announce that its federal Ramp-Up energy efficiency proposal submitted on behalf of the cities of Milwaukee, Madison, and Racine has been awarded a $20 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). WECC was authorized by the three cities to act on their behalf as the applicant for the grant. WECC will also play an important role in designing and implementing the proposed project, building on 30 years of experience in energy efficiency program administration, design, and implementation.

The Wisconsin Energy Efficiency Project (WE2) will facilitate residential and business energyefficient building retrofits in the three cities to achieve lower customer energy bills, stimulate increased local economic activity, create good-paying "green" jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"WECC looks forward to continuing its partnership with Milwaukee, Madison, and Racine as well as the many labor, workforce development, and community organizations that helped make this proposal successful," said Mary Woolsey Schlaefer, executive director for WECC. "The hard work and partnership among the three cities and their local partners to develop a winning proposal should be commended and illustrates the importance and value of these continued partnerships to the successful implementation of the project. Over the next 6 years, the WE2 project will have a positive impact on the bottom line for these communities' residents and businesses as well as provide valuable economic and environmental benefits for the rest of Wisconsin."

Residential customers in targeted neighborhoods in the cities of Milwaukee and Madison will be offered an improved opportunity to undertake comprehensive cost-effective energy efficiency home retrofits including the use of an innovative financing program, the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). Under the PACE model, customers may repay a reasonable interest loan for the retrofit work on their property tax bill as a special charge so that the energy savings exceed the monthly loan payment. The project will also use qualified energy auditors and contractors to ensure high quality results for the homeowner. Local community organizations will be used to help promote the efforts as well as help deliver the program. Workforce development and training initiatives will be an important part of these efforts. The WE2 proposal is designed to serve at least 14,200 homes together in Milwaukee and Madison.

The business portion of the WE2 project will provide new contracting and financing options that make it easier and more affordable for businesses to pursue comprehensive energy efficiency building retrofits. These program features are designed to address existing barriers that deter business owners from pursuing all cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities.

About the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wis. Established in 1980, WECC is a national leader in designing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that partner with private businesses to deliver value to consumers. It champions innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org.

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