McDonell Area Catholic Schools have been taking advantage of Focus on Energy programs to reduce its utility costs at the McDonell Central Catholic High School and Notre Dame Middle School building at 1316 Bel Air Blvd. in Chippewa Falls. McDonell has updated its heating system to include computerized control. The school has also added controls in the gymnasium that will prevent the lights from coming on if there is enough daylight and will also shut the lights down if nobody is in the room.

MACS financial Controller Bob Konop said that these changes will not only bring the buildings into the 21st Century, but they'll save the school money in the long run.

McDonell Area Catholic Schools have been taking advantage of Focus on Energy programs to reduce its utility costs at the McDonell Central Catholic High School and Notre Dame Middle School building at 1316 Bel Air Blvd. in Chippewa Falls.

McDonell has updated its heating system to include computerized control. The school has also added controls in the gymnasium that will prevent the lights from coming on if there is enough daylight and will also shut the lights down if nobody is in the room.

MACS financial Controller Bob Konop said that these changes will not only bring the buildings into the 21st Century, but they'll save the school money in the long run.

"We don't have a lot of funds available," Konop said, explaining that the school is still trying to be conscious of its energy usage.

That's where Focus on Energy helps. The organization aims to aid businesses and residents across the state to make the most of what they pay for energy.

"We really want people to think about their (energy) options and make good decisions," Tamara Sondgeroth said. Sondgeroth is director of operations for Focus on Energy.

When people upgrade things such as lighting fixtures or appliances there is usually a base model and then a model that offers greater efficiency. But the more efficient model is generally more expensive to buy.

"We want to encourage people to move in that direction," said Travis Jones, trade ally of Focus on Energy. "We want to try to bridge that gap."

Sticker shock at the store is at least partially to blame. Why pay $7 for a light bulb when you can get a four pack for less than a dollar? The immediate savings seems to outway the long term benefits. That's why Focus on Energy offers incentives to get people on track.

"We are really out to help people make wise use of energy," Sondgeroth said.

Focus on Energy offers incentives through 15 programs available for everyone from the owner of the smallest home to the largest business.

"We really do have something for everyone," Sondgeroth said.

The programs usually work like this:

A resident or business can call Focus on Energy or one the groups' partner companies or vendors. Then an advisor will visit the home or business to see how the structure could be improved.

Obviously the improvements come with price tags, and even though the improvements will bring a savings over time, it can still be difficult to cough up the money to initially make the change. Focus on Energy offers some of the funds.

The group has about $100 million to invest every year and Sondgeroth says that for every dollar Focus on energy invests, its participants see a return of $3.33.