News & events : governor task force

Press Release:

For Immediate Release
   Media Contact:
   Janet Brandt
   Executive Director
   608.249.9322, ext. 460
   jbrandt@weccusa.org

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Supports Governor's Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

MADISON, Wis. (December 1, 2004) - Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), overwhelmingly supports the report of the bipartisan Governor's Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The report was released by Governor James Doyle yesterday (Tuesday, November 30, 2004) and contains forty–five recommendations and initiatives that will provide a healthier economy and a cleaner environment through money–saving energy efficiency programs and a shift toward renewable power supplies.

"The Governor's Task Force on Energy Efficiency has made excellent recommendations that will ensure Wisconsin remains a leader in this area," said Janet Brandt, executive director of WECC. "We look forward to working with the State and other agencies to make energy efficiency a benefit for residential and business owners. Through Public Benefits funding, the State of Wisconsin has done a great job in helping businesses and consumers save money on their utility bills - returning $3 in benefits for every $1 invested."

The 25–member Task Force began its study and deliberations in November, 2003. The group included legislators from both parties, others representing interests from utilities, business, industrial and residential customers, unions, and environmentalists. The following are some of their recommendations:

Improve the state's building codes on energy use
Provide secure and adequate funding for the state's Focus on Energy program
Procure energy efficient state buildings
Establish state purchased appliance standards for the procurement of products and appliances that are certified as energy efficient
Creation of the Energy Efficiency Recognition award to celebrate the achievements of Wisconsin organizations for outstanding accomplishments in energy efficiency or renewable energy systems

For nearly a quarter of a century, WECC has been a leader in the design and implementation of energy efficiency programs such as Focus on Energy. Over a three–year period from 2001 to 2004, Focus on Energy's programs have saved over 511 million kilowatt–hours and more than 25 million therms of natural gas. The combined savings are equivalent to preventing the annual emission from 103,000 cars and have the energy value of 1.4 million barrels of oil.

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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