Wisconsin Task Force Proposes More Renewable Energy, Efficiency

Sep 21 - The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Sep. 22--A state task force on Tuesday finalized a proposal to boost energy efficiency and renewable power amid concern that funding for those programs will be slashed.

The task force -- made up of representatives of customer groups, the legislature, utilities, environmental groups and unions -- recommends that Wisconsin utilities expand use of renewable energy sources 6 percent by 2015 and that the state tap energy efficiency technology to help curb growth for electricity demand.

Backers of energy efficiency continued to press for the state to keep funds intact for such programs, noting that every $1 invested has resulted in energy savings of at least $3 to $5. Advocates hope that greater use of energy efficiency will prevent the need for new power plants, which would cost rate payers.

At a meeting, state Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, who chairs the Senate's energy committee, appealed to the task force "to not just let this report gather dust on the shelves."

Cowles and task force member Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison have been among the most vocal critics of the decision by Gov. Doyle and the legislature to use money intended for energy efficiency to help balance the state's budget. Money for the program is collected through a special charge on electricity bills.

Nino Amato, executive director of a customer group representing manufacturers, said there will need to be a collective effort to act on the recommendations.

Said Lee Cullen, who chaired the task force, "I actually feel pretty optimistic about the result, and the prospects down the road."

Toward that end, the Madison-based Energy Center of Wisconsin has launched a study to assess potential savings that can be achieved through energy efficiency. No such study has been conducted for 10 years in Wisconsin, but new technology and consumer acceptance have advocates optimistic. They cite the success Wisconsin has had in the sale of energy-efficient products, from compact fluorescent light bulbs to front-loading clothes washing machines.

Renewable energy sources include wind and solar power and electric generation from the use of animal waste.

"Everybody understands that energy efficiency and renewables are just an indispensable part of the mix and that we need to get specific about what those commitments are going to be," Cullen said.

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