HomeMy WebLinkAboutFocus on Energy RecommendationTO: Oshkosh Common Council
FROM: Sustainability Advisory Board
RE: Focus on Energy Recommendation
DATE: October 18, 2010
It is the opinion of the Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board that it would be to the City's advantage to
partner with Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program, Focus on Energy. The goal
of such partnership would be for the City to utilize the knowledge, expertise, and financial incentives necessary
to plan and complete energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that may not be feasible otherwise.
There are four main financial incentives given through Focus on Energy that the City could utilize:
Custom Incentive Program:
o Requires prior approval from Focus on Energy advisor
o Payback level based on the project's estimated energy savings for the first year
o Used for projects that would take 1.5 years or more to pay back
o May cover up to 30% of the cost
o Can receive up to $250,000 for a project, or $500,000 annually
Prescriptive Incentive Program:
o Does not require pre - approval from Focus on Energy advisor
o For common use equipment that is a 1 -for I replacement, such as
■ Lighting: efficiency, technology upgrades, and occupancy sensors
■ HVAC: boiler upgrades, large space air management, air handling units
■ Computer Shutdown programs
■ Vending Machines: turns down lights and cooling except during the day when in use
• New Construction Grants
o Can provide whole building track for energy efficiency
o Building -owner cost -share
o Will do quality check after equipment installation
Renewable Grants:
o For renewable energy projects such as solar electric, solar thermal, wind, biogas, and non-
residential biomass
o Group of experts specializing in different technologies available
o Assessment of feasibility for renewable energy installation on the site
o Incentives may cover up to 35% of project cost
o Installation assistance and referrals
For the City of Oshkosh to further its sustainability efforts with less budgetary constriction, it would be in the
City's best interests to work with Focus on Energy to further its sustainability efforts in the area of energy
efficiency. The Northeastern Wisconsin Advisor, Nate Curell, may be reached at (715)720 -2141.