Wisconsin utilities' statewide program for energy efficiency, Focus on Energy, recently underwent an independent evaluation by the Cadmus Group. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The report  found that during 2011, Focus on Energy provided incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to more than 195,000 residential and business customers with a total verified net energy savings of 441 GWh and approximately 17 thousand Therms, or the equivalent of providing electricity to 44,000 homes for one year. In addition, Focus on Energy returned $428 million in benefits for Wisconsin ratepayers.

Cadmus estimates that in 2011 statewide benefits of the energy savings achieved by the programs exceeded costs by a ratio of 2.46 to 1 -- representing a considerable increase from the 2010 ratio of 2.3 to 1.

Clearly, this demonstrates that from 2010 to 2011 the cost effectiveness of the program was increasing. However, Cadmus also reported that energy savings achieved in 2011 lagged those achieved in previous years, which was driven by numerous significant changes in program administration, design and delivery. Further, reduced incentive implemented in mid-2010 and carried throughout 2011 impacted customer participation.

For more:
- see the report