June 22, 2011

To: Governor Scott Walker

From: Wisconsin energy businesses

Subject: Veto request – cuts to Focus on Energy

 

Dear Governor Walker,

 

As businesses currently working in the production, installation, and maintenance of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, we understand better than anyone the role the Focus on Energy program has played in growing business and creating jobs in Wisconsin.  The statewide program has added thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in additional business, delivered millions in energy savings in a cost effective manner, and helped make Wisconsin more energy independent.

 

Unfortunately, actions by the Joint Finance Committee during their deliberations on the 2011-13 biennial budget have gutted the funding for Focus on Energy, and we are writing today to ask that you use your veto authority to restore this crucial job-creating, ratepayer-saving funding, which has no impact on the state budget.

 

The success of Focus on Energy has been well documented.  An independent evaluation of the program found that over its first 10 years, the program has created 24,000 jobs and almost $2 billion in additional sales for Wisconsin businesses.  These are jobs and business that would not exist without Focus on Energy. 

 

Focus on Energy is, above all, saving residents and businesses money on their energy bills.  In 2009, participants in the program saw their energy bills reduced by $319 million. And the economic successes of Focus on Energy have been a cost-effective investment: for every $1 invested in the program, $2.50 worth of energy savings is delivered to consumers.  Wisconsin sends $17 billion out of state to purchase energy; by reducing energy use, Focus helps keep some of that money in Wisconsin's economy.

 

After two years of study, the Public Service Commission found that increasing the funding for statewide energy efficiency programs is a cost-effective way to reduce energy bills for home owners and businesses alike. With customer demand greatly exceeding programs’ current funding levels, the PSC decided to increase funding levels through 2013. 

 

We urge you to veto the cuts to Focus on Energy in the state budget and allow our businesses to grow, add new jobs, and strengthen the local economy.  With a proven track record of delivering cost-effective energy savings and driving local business, Focus on Energy should be allowed to grow.

 

Sincerely,