MADISON, Wis., May 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WECC, a national leader in the design and implementation of energy savings programs, had a productive and accolade-filled year. Recently, national and state organizations honored WECC for accomplishments it achieved in Wisconsin in 2011.
WECC recently won awards from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, WECC released its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® metrics, revealing a 56 percent increase in retrofits for existing homes between 2008 and 2011. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities' statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, also announced WECC will continue to implement the Focus New Homes Program from 2012-2014.
"WECC is proud to deliver real results in Wisconsin," said Mary Schlaefer, WECC President and CEO. "Our mission propels our work and it's rewarding to receive national and state acclaim for it. Our successes also indicate WECC will continue to have a presence in delivering successful energy saving programs throughout the state."
ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award
Earlier this month, WECC earned the 2012 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes WECC's contributions to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection. As a rating provider, WECC verified 910 Wisconsin ENERGY STAR homes in 2011. Collectively, these homes will save customers approximately $406,770 on annual utility bills.
The environmental benefits of WECC's ENERGY STAR certified homes are equal to:
- Eliminating emissions from 446 cars.
- Saving 2.7 million pounds of coal.
- Planting 731 acres of trees.
- Shedding 5.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR gains
In 2011, WECC qualified 2,334 existing homes in Wisconsin for the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program. This is the most homes participating in a single year.
Century Club Awards
The U.S. Department of Energy honored six Wisconsin contractors that WECC trained and managed on behalf of Focus on Energy's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program. Each contractor improved the energy efficiency of at least 100 homes within the last year.
In 2011, only 87 businesses in the U.S. qualified as Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Century Club Contractors. In addition to the six Wisconsin contractors who received the award, WECC has partnerships with 26 others across the country, including New York, New Jersey, and Oregon.
Contract renewal
Focus on Energy announced WECC will continue to implement the New Homes Program from 2012 to 2014. In 2011, WECC certified 1,572 new homes for Focus on Energy.
"WECC has been leading the way in residential new construction in Wisconsin for the last 13 years," said Schlaefer. "In the past four years, in the midst of the economic downturn, WECC increased market penetration of certified, energy-efficient new homes from 19 percent in 2008 to 30 percent in 2011."
2011 Focus on Energy Audit
Report 11-13 An Evaluation: Focus on Energy from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, further documents WECC's accomplishments throughout the state.
The report states that the benefits of WECC-administered programs exceeded costs by a ratio of 2.3 to 1. This means that for every $1 invested in energy efficiency, customers achieved $2.30 in energy savings. The report also shows WECC exceeded goals by achieving 132 percent of annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) savings, 146 percent of kilowatt (kW) savings, and 191 percent of Therm savings in 2010.
"WECC's track record for meeting or exceeding energy saving goals within budget stands apart in the energy-efficiency industry," said Schlaefer. "I am pleased WECC's programs are successful and that state and national accolades recognize WECC achieves tangible energy savings and provides environmental benefits."
About WECC
WECC is a mission-driven nonprofit that delivers real energy solutions for our clients' benefit. For more than 30 years, WECC has led the industry in energy-efficiency and renewable energy programs. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org.
The Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11970