PORT EDWARDS – A Wisconsin Rapids area church will be cozier this winter thanks to a congregation’s generosity and an incentive from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program.

Port Edwards United Methodist Church received a $7,182 incentive from Focus on Energy’s Small Business Program to replace an inefficient boiler. Funded by Wisconsin utilities, Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Steam heat provided by a paper mill heated the church in the years after it was built in 1949. More recently, a boiler installed in 1991 had become inefficient and was not capable of modulating. To avoid higher operating costs, a fundraising campaign for a new boiler was initiated by the church’s Board of Trustees.

A past Focus on Energy participant, the church located in Wood County discussed possible incentives with their contractor, Ron’s Refrigeration of Wisconsin Rapids.

“Technicians from Ron’s Refrigeration did a great job installing our new boiler system and Rob Sturgis, an energy expert with Focus on Energy was eager to assist me with the incentive application and streamlined the entire process,” said Jeff Taylor, a parishioner involved with building and grounds functions.

Ever since three new energy efficient boilers were installed in August, Taylor says temperatures are consistent throughout the building. Cost savings in the first year are projected at $1,773, by saving 2,789 therms of natural gas.

“With the combination of Ron’s Refrigeration and Mr. Sturgis, the church is well prepared to meet our heating needs for the future and very grateful to receive the incentive that will allow us to upgrade other parts of the heating system,” Taylor said.

The church is served by We Energies for natural gas and Alliant Energy for electric needs.

Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement project that otherwise would not get completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy usage, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. To learn more, visit www.focusonenergy.com.