Pilot program produces impressive energy-saving results
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
Recent data shows Burlington businesses and residences are saving enough energy to power more than 1,400 homes for a year in comparison to a similar-size community.
And the credit for the savings goes to Way to Save, Burlington!, the innovative pilot program that was launched in the community nearly three years ago.
“The recent results have been really impressive,” said Kevin Duffy, Burlington’s energy ambassador with Way to Save.
He said the independent firm that evaluated the energy-savings Burlington has experienced vs. the control community of Watertown attributed the difference directly to Way to Save.
“It’s impressive not just because of the energy-savings number, but because many of the people who are participating are not only coming through on what they pledged to do, but they’re going beyond,” Duffy said.
Impressive savings
One person you don’t have to convince of the benefits of the program is Sandy Wagner, owner of Nobius Press, a small printing and graphic design firm in Burlington.
Wagner was the winner of Way to Save’s Small Business Makeover Contest last fall.
Wagner rents 1,300 square feet of space at 925 Milwaukee Avenue, but, because she is responsible for the energy bill, she was eligible to receive the makeover.
Way to Save originally planned to spend $2,500 on energy upgrades for the first- and second-place winners in the contest, but instead was able to take advantage of a Focus on Energy program offered to all small businesses.
Crews representing Focus on Energy visited Nobius Press in October, changed out the ballasts in 35 light fixtures and replaced 90 fluorescent light bulbs.
“They cut the number of bulbs in half, but it’s actually brighter in here,” Wagner said Tuesday.
The energy makeover also included the installation of motion detector light switches and an energy efficient exit sign.
The impact on Wagner’s energy bill was immediate.
In the six months since, she has saved more than 25 percent on her electric bill. That savings has ranged from $54 to $102 per month.
And although she received $1,800 in upgrades for free as winner of the contest, any small business could take advantage of the same Focus on Energy program for just $129.
In Wagner’s case, the savings on her energy bill would have paid that cost in less than two months.
“It’s an amazing program,” she said. “Anybody would be crazy not to do it.”
And beyond the savings, Wagner said the program gave her something to feel good about. “You’re silly not to look to the future,” she said regarding the reduced energy use.
The small business program offered through Focus on Energy is just one of the programs Way to Save is touting for Burlington.
The Way to Save initiative is funded by We Energies as a means to study the effectiveness of a program that connects a community with existing energy-saving resources.
More ways to save
Other programs currently promoted by Way to Save include:
• The Energy Express Efficiency program enables residents of single- to three-family homes to receive up to $100 in energy equipment upgrades for free. For a limited time participants receive free installation of compact fluorescent light bulbs, energy-saving faucet aerators and showerheads, insulation of water pipes and assistance in setting a proper water heater temperature. Duffy said participants are free to opt out of any of the free upgrades while still receiving the others.
Residents who wish to participate should call (855) 533-8103.
• The Multifamily Energy-savings Program is designed for owners, property managers and residents of apartments and other residential housing with four or more units. The program includes free energy assessments of buildings, free installation of light bulbs, aerators, showerheads and pipe insulation and incentives for custom energy-saving programs.
People who are interested in that program should call (866) 486-0832.
Duffy said the Way to Save, Burlington!, program is funded through 2013 at which point We Energies will likely evaluate its effectiveness vs. the cost of other energy-saving initiatives.
He said the program has been effective at getting residents unified toward a common goal.
To learn more about Way to Save or to make an energy-saving pledge, visit www.waytosaveburlington.com.
Here’s the video submitted by Nobius Press owner Sandy Wagner that won Way to Save’s small business energy makeover:
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Well sounds good, but How can A Electric Company, that makes $ selling Electricty want us to Use LESS and in turn Make Less? Won’t this Effect my WEC Stock performance if people and businesses use Less?
Or By using Less and being able to Raise Rates to compenstate to maintain profits? Will they be able to Raise Rates in return for using and Selling less?
I’d rather see thos using More to be paying more Per KW, not everyone paying the Same per KW.. It cost more to make More doesn’t it? anyone using above the Average, should be paying More per KW .. not the same as those using less..
And how come I have to Donate $24 a yr now to Energy Assistance? I already pay enough Taxes as it is..
Were I come from, you can’t afford something? You Do without or Move.. Not keep Subciding people to afford to live here…Nobody Subcidises me.. do they you?
Want to see more Energy Effecientcy? Raise the Rates..
I’m sorry you feel that this program is a detriment to society. The point of this program is to reduce the amount of resources needed to produce the same working environment for businesses like the one in this article. Fewer resources being used now allows for less emissions and more resources for future use.
Also, please don’t be worried about your WEC stock performance as utilities are legally allowed to turn a profit. If the usage goes down, they are allowed to raise rates to *compensate (check your spelling) this decreased usage.
I won’t get started on the idea that those using more should be paying more, but will say that the economics of that suggestion won’t be viewed positively when under the microscope of business and societal well being. Why would we want to pay the utility more when that could in turn be used in the form of higher wages?
This program doesn’t *subsidize (again please check your spelling) people people who can’t afford electricity, it subsidizes the future of our planet and well being. By taking steps to mitigate pollution and a shortfall of resources now, the program hopes to offset some of the future impacts of emissions and energy creation.
If you are upset that you are not receiving any direct benefits from this program, please reread the article and you will find a phone number to call that will allow to receive some benefits. I took advantage of the program and received updated light bulbs, shower heads, and plumbing insulation. If you are worried this may affect your WEC stock investment, then please do not take advantage of this fabulous program. I would hate for this program to cause distress to anyone.