A Win for Students, the Community, and the Environment

Forward Thinking, Instant Savings

Bill Plamann (Focus on Energy), Sylvia Lopez (Focus on Energy), Stuart Russ (Superintendent), Jonathan Dunks (Principal of OFMS). The check presented is based on the original incentive estimate of $30,794.03. After the school's energy savings were verified post-construction, the incentive increased to $33,055.97. The district is seeing an even better return on its investment in energy efficiency.

The Oconto Falls School District’s new middle school is a long-term investment in the students, the community, and the environment. Thanks to thoughtful planning with support from Focus on Energy®, the project earned more than $33,000 in incentives, including a bonus for reducing peak energy demand. The District also received $4,758 from Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities, a WPPI Energy member. As a new building, Oconto Falls Middle School is already delivering real value back to the District.

“From the start, we wanted our new middle school to reflect our community’s commitment to our kids,” said the Oconto Falls School District Superintendent, Stuart Russ. “By adding energy-saving features, we have created a safe and comfortable place to learn while keeping more of our budget focused on students, teachers, and the programs that make our schools special. It is a project our entire community can be proud of.”

“The Oconto Falls community took a forward-thinking approach to this project,” said Sylvia Lopez, Energy Advisor with Focus on Energy. “These upgrades are an investment in the District’s future, creating a school that supports innovative learning for the students.”

The energy-efficiency upgrades, including heat recovery and an efficient boiler with temperature reset, will improve the new school’s operational performance. The school is expected to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to planting more than 4,000 trees annually. The estimated cost savings over the next 18 years will offset the average annual salaries of four teachers. This project serves as a powerful reminder that making smart choices today helps keep resources where they matter most—supporting students, strengthening programs, and building a bright future for the Oconto Falls community.

About Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities
Founded in 1932, Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities is a locally owned electric, water and wastewater utility serving more than 1,600 customers in the city. The municipally owned utility is a member owner of its wholesale power provider, WPPI Energy, headquartered Sun Prairie, Wis. The joint action agency is made up of 51 members throughout Wisconsin, Iowa and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Through the shared strength of WPPI, OFMU has the opportunity to disburse funds to different programs and nonprofit organizations throughout its community, such as supporting the local school district.