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Cuts to Focus on Energy Sap Conservation and Renewables Madison – RENEW Wisconsin reacted with sharp criticism to the Governor’s plan to divert ratepayer dollars from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program, into general revenues to balance the state’s budget. In his 2005-2007, Governor Doyle proposed to cut $53 million, or approximately 40 percent from the Focus on Energy program (also known as “public benefits”). “If adopted, these cuts would turn Wisconsin’s energy priorities upside down. State law requires agencies to pursue energy efficiency as the preferred approach for meeting Wisconsin’s energy needs,” according to Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a Madison nonprofit organization that promotes renewable energy. “Any kilowatt-hour of electricity needlessly produced because we didn’t have adequate conservation funding undercuts the state’s energy policy, which favors conservation and renewables over coal, the primary source of Wisconsin’s power.” “In what way is it in Wisconsin’s interest to become even more heavily dependent on this imported and polluting fuel source?” Vickerman asked. In the previous budget, Focus on Energy lost more than one-third of its funding to diversions into general revenues. “We were hoping that the consensus package recommended by the Governor’s Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Renewables would have protected Focus on Energy from these budget cuts,” said Vickerman. The Task Force report, released last December, called for strengthening the Focus on Energy program; increasing the amount of Wisconsin’s electricity that is produced with renewable sources such as the wind, sun, and agricultural materials; and encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy through other policies. “We want the recommendations adopted, and that includes full funding for Focus on Energy,” Vickerman added. RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization advocating the adoption of clean energy strategies to power Wisconsin businesses and households in an environmentally responsible manner. Feel free to visit our Web site at www.renewwisconsin.org or get in touch with us if you have any questions. Next