Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Focus on Energy administers a program to give qualifying Wisconsin residents assistance with evaluating and implementing energy efficient projects. The program is called Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and is available to Wisconsin residents who meet certain income requirements based on 60% to 80% of the State Median Income. For example, a household of one person needs to have annual income between $23,435 and $31,246 to qualify. A household of four people needs to have annual income between $45,067 and $60,089.
Those who qualify can receive a free home energy evaluation. Depending upon the results of the evaluation, the homeowner may receive insulation, heating and cooling updates, energy saving devices (CFLs, water-saving showerheads, etc.), and/or ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. Homeowners might also have their air leaks sealed as well.
For complete information on the program, including income requirements and an application, visit the Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR webpage at FocusOnEnergy.com.
Also, if you or someone you know has participated in this program, please contact us. We would like to learn more about this program so we can share experiences and benefits with our readers.
Save Money on Your WE Energies Bill with a Time of Use Program
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy bill, it’s worth your time to explore the three Time of Use programs offered by WE Energies. In a Time of Use program energy prices are lower during off-peak hours and prices are higher when demand is high.
WE Energies offers three levels for Wisconsin customers to choose from. When comparing the three levels versus your current billing, keep in mind the standard cost per killowatt-hour (kwh) is $0.12611 at this time.
Level 1 – The off-peak cost of electricity is 9 cents per kwh. On-peak price is 19 cents per kwh. This is a good level to get familiar with the program.
Level 2- The off-peak cost of electricity is 5 cents per kwh. On-peak price is 25 cents per kwh.
With Levels 1 and 2, customers have four options of how their on-peak hours are defined:
- 7am to 7pm
- 8am to 8pm
- 9am to 9pm
- 10am to 10pm
According to WE Energies, Level 1 may be best for customers who can shift 53% to 62% of their electricity use to off-peak hours, do not have many large electric appliances, and do not have electric heat. WE Energies suggests that Level 2 may be best for customers who can shift over 62% of power usage to off-peak hours and have many electric appliances.
Level 3 is a pilot plan for residential customers in effect through January 1, 2011. According to WE Energies, this level has on-, mid- and off-peak periods with prices that vary by season. This level offers the greatest potential savings if used correctly, but it also has high risk if you use too much on-peak electricity. Therefore, it may be wise for customers interested in time of use programs to get acquainted with the program by using Level 1 and Level 2 before moving on to Level 3. Click here to see all the details on Level 3.
To enroll in one of WE Energies Time of Use residential programs, call WE Energies at 800-242-9137. Commercial customers can obtain more information on their options by calling WE Energies at 800-714-7777.
Related posts:
- How to Get a $50 Credit on Your WE Energies Bill
- WE Energies Budget Billing
- Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
Tips on Buying a New Dehumidifier
Now that the weather is getting warmer in Wisconsin, it is more likely that households will start running their dehumidifiers on a regular basis. This is a good time for homeowners to inspect their dehumidifier and to determine if the purchase of a new, energy-efficient dehumidifier makes economic sense.
As we discussed last June, according to the WE Energies Appliance Calculator, the estimated cost to operate a standard dehumidifier is about $25 a month! Using an Energy Star dehumidifier could save you about $7.50 a month. Assuming you use a dehumidifier four months out of the year, annual savings would be about $28. And, don’t forget, WE Energies rates went up in 2010 and are projected to continue increasing in 2011.
Consumer Reports suggests purchasing a model that scored the best efficiency ratings in their test, and to purchase the largest-capacity dehumidifier that you can afford because it will work quicker and more efficiently than a smaller unit. Subscribers of Consumer Reports can utilize their dehumidifier buying guide. A free overview from Consumer Reports (dated June 2008) can be found here.
Energy Star also has an informative webpage with information on specifications of Energy Star dehumidifiers, buying guidance, and frequently asked questions.
Wondering where to purchase a dehumidifier? Local stores such as Sears, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. are all good options. Although models tend to vary from store to store, making exact comparisons difficult, it is helpful to do some comparison shopping online before stepping into a store. The #1 sales ranked dehumidifier on Amazon.com right now is a Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier currently pricing at $185 with free super saver shipping. The same dehumidifier is currently on sale at Best Buy for $179.99 but standard shipping is $30.42. However, the nice thing about Best Buy is you can buy online, and pickup in your local Best Buy store.
Have any advice to share with our readers about your experiences with dehumidifiers? If so, please leave a comment.
We regularly feature energy savings tips to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
Application Deadlines for the Wisconsin Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
Focus On Energy has released an update for Wisconsin’s State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). As we mentioned in last weeks energy post, funds are expected to run out by the end of this month. The cash-back rebates are available only while funds last and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to Focus on Energy, the end dates for the SEEARP Rewards are:
Clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers
- Appliances must be purchased by April 30, 2010
- Applications must be received by May 31, 2010
Solar Hot-Water Heaters
- Application forms must be received by April 30, 2010 for pre-approval.
Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment
- Installation must be completed by May 15, 2010
- Application forms must be received by June 15, 2010
On Wednesdays we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
Wisconsin Appliance Rebate Program Update
Thomas Content from JSOnline recently reported that the Wisconsin State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program has used about half of the allocated funds in the first three months of the program. Focus on Energy expects that the funds will be exhausted by the end of April. If you were planning to purchase a qualifying appliance or redeem a rebate, you had better do it soon!
Focus on Energy maintains a calculator on their website to help you monitor the rebate funds remaining. For more information on the rebate program, see our previous post.
On Wednesdays we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
How to Get a $50 Credit on Your WE Energies Bill
For the second time this year, WE Energies customers will see another rate hike. According to an article from Thomas Content of JS Online, The Public Service Commission approved a $48.1 million rate hike which has gone into effect. Content reports that the rate hike was due to increased fuel costs and the rate hike is subject to refund if WE Energies collects too much money to cover their increased fuel costs. Rates are scheduled to rise again in 2011.
If you’re looking for a way to help offset the increased costs this summer, WE Energies Energy Partners Program offers a $50 credit each summer if you allow them to control your central air conditioner during periods of high demand for energy.
If you sign up for the program, WE Energies will install a small radio device near your central air conditioner. This device allows WE Energies to cycle the air conditioner between noon and 11pm from May 15th through September 15th of each year. According to WE Energies, cycling air conditioners usually takes place on weekdays between noon and 8pm.
Three options are available:
- $50 credit – your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 6 continuous hours in one day
- $40 credit – your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 4 continuous hours in one day
- $12 credit – your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 45 minutes, run 15 minutes, and continue this cycle up to 8 hours in one day
Here’s a look at when WE Energies has actually cycled air conditioners off:
- 2009 – None
- 2008 – None
- 2007 – Cycled once for 30 minutes
- 2006 – None
- 2005 – Cycled 4 days for a total of 2.5 hours
- 1999 to 2004 – None
To learn more or to enroll, visit the WE Energies Energy Partners program webpage.
So do you think this is a good deal? Leave a comment and let us know.
How to Seal Air Leaks in Your Home
The Energy Star website has a thorough 13-page do-it-yourself brochure available with detailed guidance on how to seal up air leaks in the attic and basement. This makes for a nice project to tackle at this time of year since you can work inside your home, help make your home more comfortable during the winter, and attempt to reduce your utility bills.
The guide covers topics which include using foam and caulk for small gaps in the attic, sealing the attic hatch or door, sealing heating and cooling ducts, insulating recessed “can” lights, and adding attic insulation.
Keep in mind that your expenses on insulation and products that seal air such as weather stripping, spray foam in a can, and caulk designed to seal air may be eligible for a federal tax credit that expires on December 31, 2010. See the Energy Star webpage for tax credits for more information.
Each Wednesday we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers try to reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.