Model community event in River Falls, Wis.

WPPI Energy has established a $10 million revolving loan fund to make zero-interest loans to member utilities for efficiency, conservation and renewable energy projects. Typical projects may include:

• Building or equipment efficiency upgrades



• Meeting U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for building projects



• Energy efficient street lights and traffic signals



• Zero emission and partial zero emission fleet vehicles



• Photovoltaic solar panel and small-scale wind energy systems

Eligible projects include those that will reduce local energy costs as well as those that visibly demonstrate developing or cutting-edge energy technologies.

To date, projects in six member communities have received funding totaling $882,000 for projects such as distribution system efficiency, energy efficient traffic signals and street lighting, building lighting upgrades and roof installations.

Commitment to Community (CTC) funds are used annually by WPPI Energy members to support community education and outreach on the topic of energy conservation. Member utilities participate actively in their communities through energy fairs, educational workshops and other events; they also provide services to help all customers conserve energy at home. As stewards of their communities, WPPI Energy members also work to ensure that even their most vulnerable customers can have the safety and basic comforts of electric service. In accordance with the Wisconsin CTC utility spending requirements, participating member utilities provide low-income customers with bill credits and home weatherization assistance, in order to relieve some of the burden of energy costs.

WPPI Energy continues to support those member communities who wish to initiate Model Community Energy Projects. These projects, which are entirely voluntary, rely on a broad coalition of community leaders, business people and citizens to build community-wide consensus regarding the importance of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable resource development. These multi-year campaigns are designed to unite the community and encourage all residents, businesses and institutions to focus on a secure energy future and environmental stewardship. Communities now piloting the program, Columbus, Oconomowoc and River Falls, will be able to share their experiences with other community leaders who choose to launch similar efforts in the future.