If you missed CUB’s educational webinar for homeowners and renters, we have the information you need to take steps against rising energy prices.
The residential educational webinar on Sept. 17 was designed to help Wisconsin residential utility customers save money.
We went back to the energy basics and covered foundational utility concepts, practical energy-saving measures, and showcased Wisconsin programs that are available to help consumers.
Topics included an introduction to CUB’s mission and advocacy, an explanation of utility rate cases and how consumers can participate, actionable tips for reducing energy consumption in the home, and an overview of programs and resources from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program. The webinar empowered Wisconsin utility customers with knowledge and strategies to save money while managing their energy use.
The webinar hosted by CUB Director of Outreach & Engagement Richard Storck and featured insights from David Erickson from Wisconsin Focus on Energy, and Lisa Geason-Bauer from Evolution Marketing.
If you missed the webinar, you can download the full presentation slides here, and find resources and links here. You can see a replay of the webinar, Back to the Energy Basics: Actions, Programs for Residential Customers to Save Money, on CUB’s YouTube channel, or below.
Storck shared information about pending increases linked to utility rate cases, affordability challenges facing Wisconsin residential and small business customers, as well as the uncertainty associated with the pending construction of data centers in Wisconsin and the power required to operate them.
CUB is working to focus on the costs that can be controlled by the state Public Service Commission, with special attention on utility profits that are well above the national average along with the impact rate increases will have on people who are struggling to make ends meet, especially with Congress considering proposals to eliminate $7 billion in energy assistance and weatherization programs for the poor.
Erickson, Energy Advisor with the Focus on Energy program, introduced attendees to Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program. He moved on to tips and tricks for renters to save on their utility bills, specifically heating and cooling, lighting, power consumption, and water, plus how to obtain energy savings packs. Erickson concluded by highlighting energy savings tips for building owners.
The session highlighted tips for renters, as Focus on Energy has recently increased its attention to providing help with rising energy costs for people who can’t afford to buy a home or choose not to.
Geason-Bauer shared the importance of acting now on energy efficiency upgrades along with her personal experience in upgrading her home to a solar with battery system. She demonstrated how her home is now in the top 10% of most energy efficient homes in the nation. Another benefit was taking the available tax credit on purchase and installation and applying the savings to the balance of her mortgage, allowing her to pay it off sooner.
CUB has compiled resources and links from the webinar here.
CUB appreciates the support from promotional partners Sustainable Business Council, and B local Wisconsin.
