Cash-Back Rewards Help Members Save Energy, Money

This program is only open to members with service in Wisconsin

Rock Energy Cooperative members are not only getting Cash-Back Rewards from Focus on Energy for making energy-efficiency improvements, but they’re also seeing their monthly bills decrease as they save energy.

Residential, commercial, and agricultural members received almost $19,000 in financial incentives in the first six months that Rock Energy joined forces with Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy. The improvements will save members thousands of dollars on their annual energy costs.

A total of 309 residential members received $2,500 in rebates for switching to energy-efficient lighting.

“We’re pleased that our members are taking advantage of the many programs that Focus on Energy offers,” said Shane Larson, CEO of Rock Energy. “As we approach our one-year anniversary of working together, we hope that even more members will use the available resources to save both energy and money.”

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to increase awareness of any program, and Bob Pakes, owner of Pakes Engine and Machine Inc., is certainly doing his part.

“I’ve already recommended it to two or three other businesses,” Pakes said.

The Janesville company received $1,476 in rebates for upgrading to high-efficiency lighting. Pakes said the rebate was a definite factor in the decision to move forward with the project, which is expected to have a payback period of less than three years.

Automatic Transmission Service in Janesville learned about the rebate program from a lighting contractor, said Donna Casey, office manager/owner. The $2,250 rebate covered about half of the project’s cost, and the company expects to see a monthly savings of about $50 on its electric bill, she said.

Both Pakes and Casey said that the energy-efficient lights make their workplaces brighter. They also appreciated the “instant on” feature of the new lights.

“It’s really nice,” Casey said. “You hit the switch, and they come right on. The other lights had to warm up first, and I’m sure that used a lot of electricity.”

Area farms also are reaping the benefits of the rebates. Kervin Zimmerman of Orfordville received $1,500 for installing a ventilation fan in his barn. The rebate was a definite factor in his decision to buy the large energy-efficient fan rather than several smaller box fans.

“It didn’t cost us any more to go the energy efficient route,” Zimmerman said.

His next project is to inquire about a variable speed vacuum pump for his dairy operation.

If you have a Focus on Energy success story that you’d like to share, please call Barbara Uebelacker, communications specialist at Rock Energy, or e-mail her at BarbU@rock.coop.

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What Does Focus on Energy Offer?

Rock Energy Cooperative members who live in Wisconsin have access to the valuable services and financial incentives provided through Focus on Energy.

The cooperative began its partnership with Focus on Energy in July 2009 to help members manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, and protect the environment. Focus on Energy saves Wisconsin consumers more than $239 million each year.

The organization works with eligible residents, farms, and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These are some of the programs available:

• Financial incentives to help offset the cost of eligible projects.
• A wealth of energy-efficiency tips and information available online at focusonenergy.com to help you learn more about what you can do to start saving energy today.
• Assistance with identifying high-efficiency products and local service providers qualified to make efficiency upgrades to your home or business.
• Technical expertise to help guide complex or innovative projects, such as renewable energy installations, from start to completion.

To learn more about what Focus on Energy has to offer, call (800) 762-7077 or click here.