Chicago, IL – The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) recognized FOCUS ON ENERGY^® with two awards today as part of its 15th annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards. Focus on Energy will take home the 2019 Innovation Award for its work on the Wisconsin Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Leaders Initiative and the Marketing Award for its “Wisconsin Is In” campaign.

The SEM Leaders initiative has laid the foundation for SEM as an ongoing offering to the next wave of large energy users in Wisconsin who are ready and committed to improving their energy performance. Since launching in 2015, the initiative has redefined regression modeling techniques and presentation formats, adjusted customer engagement and coaching principles, and challenged program reporting and evaluating assumptions. Today, there are 27 participants in the SEM Leaders initiative, with 14 on track to achieve ISO 50001 status.

“Focus on Energy’s SEM program is truly a national leader and an example of innovative solution for our large energy users,” said Erinn Monroe-Nye, Program Director of Focus on Energy.

The “Wisconsin Is In” campaign, which aims to specifically highlight energy efficiency in Wisconsin’s rural communities, has resulted in a 15.72 percent increase in paid financial incentives to rural businesses investing in energy efficiency. The campaign has also contributed to total energy savings of more than 6.48 million MMBtus by broadening rural awareness of reduced energy waste and the benefits that accompany energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy.

“We’re proud to help more Wisconsinites take advantage of energy efficiency,” said Jessica Wagner, Marketing Director for the Focus on Energy program. “This campaign has helped us reach a new audience in a unique way.”

Winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony as part of the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference in Chicago on February 21, 2019. The 2018 Inspiring Efficiency Award winners have shown exemplary leadership in advancing energy efficiency across the Midwest. Award recipients have made advancements in energy efficiency in five categories; Leadership, Education, Impact, Innovation and Marketing.

“This year’s Inspiring Efficiency Award winners have proven to be champions of energy efficiency within their communities,” said MEEA Executive Director, Stacey Paradis. “The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is proud to recognize and honor the commitment of Focus on Energy to create opportunities in Wisconsin that save energy, protect the environment and advance clean energy.”

About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state's investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control Wisconsin's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.