Waupun, WI – Energy-saving upgrades to lighting, heating and cooling systems at all district schools earned the Waupun Area School District incentive payments totaling nearly $90,000 from Focus on Energy and the district’s utilities. The district’s participation in the Focus on Energy program and commitment to energy efficiency will be recognized during a brief ceremony and check presentation next Monday, February 11.
Waupun Area Schools made lighting improvements in classrooms and office spaces at all district school buildings, as well as lighting upgrades to the gymnasium, locker rooms, and newly constructed greenhouse and Tech Ed Center at Waupun Junior/Senior High School. The greenhouse and Tech Ed Center also got energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and the district upgraded HVAC units and installed controls at Meadowview, Rock River and SAGES schools.
“These improvements will help the district save money on energy costs for years to come and helps to make our buildings comfortable during inclement weather conditions,” said District Administrator Steven Hill.
The annual savings on utility costs is estimated to be $78,000 and the estimated annual energy savings equates to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,016 tons, which is like taking 154 cars off the road.
The upgrades were made at the same time the district was working on projects as part of a $36 million building plan approved by voters in November 2016. The $90,000 in incentive money will be used to fund projects consistent with the building plan’s original purposes, like building improvements, furnishings or equipment.
The school district is a customer of Alliant Energy and Waupun Utilities, a member of WPPI Energy. Those two utilities are among the 107 in Wisconsin that fund the Focus on Energy program, which provides energy expertise and financial incentives to homeowners, businesses, farmers, school and municipalities that invest in energy efficiency. The Focus on Energy incentive for the energy-saving projects at Waupun schools is $65,377, with WPPI Energy providing an additional $23,817.
The most recent independent evaluation found every $1 invested in Focus on Energy programs creates $5.93 in benefits for Wisconsin, including economic benefits, reduced energy costs, and reduced pollution.
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.
About Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider with utility subsidiaries serving approximately 960,000 electric and 410,000 natural gas customers.
About WPPI Energy
WPPI is a regional power company serving 51 locally owned, not-for-profit electric utilities, such as Waupun Utilities. Through WPPI Energy, these public power utilities share resources and own generation facilities to provide reliable, affordable electricity.
