Money Available: Citizens, Businesses Wanted

Erick Jepperson reviewed the WECC, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, managment of the energy star rebate programs for Evansville and highlighted the fact that there is lots of money available currently for homeowners and businesses--for energy saving appliances and lighting and trees---$100,000 in each of two funds. There is also a separate program for insulation etc. Click on the post for the discussion.

Each citizen is eligible for up to a $75 reward for each tree planted that is bought and planted by a nursery. Limit of three trees per household. Check with city hall for the brochure on this.

There was some discussion whether some of the money currently marked for lighting efficiency could be targeted for businesses in the new downtown. Stay tuned.

The current limit for commercial is $1000 for lighting, but it can be adjusted by Water and Light approval. It has been adjusted for Baker and others. Scott George indicated a preference at leaving the limit at $1000 and then approving exceptions as they arose.

One of the problems is in the energy star program in that a person that is going to buy a $1200 refrigerator is probably not going to be too worried about a rebate. In fact the most frugal homeowner is probably going to buy the less efficient model.

On the trees, many folks might buy the trees at the end of season and opt to plant them themselves. To have the nursery plant the tree doubles the cost instantly.

Check with the Water and light on these programs and also on the insulation programs since there is money available for rebate and assistance.