Collaboration Helping Large Retailers Save Energy, Money in Wisconsin

Madison, WI – Focus on Energy’s success is built on cooperation, and we often stress the important role our utility partners and Trade Ally contractors play in helping the program reduce energy waste and Wisconsinites save money.

But Focus on Energy also collaborates with other groups. One example is ROI Energy Investments, a national rebate administrator based in Fremont, WI.

ROI Energy Investments helps retailers with nationwide locations identify energy efficiency projects in the various states where those retailers do business. That requires knowing the ins-and-outs of many utility incentive and rebate programs across the nation, and ROI Energy Investments has worked with Focus on Energy frequently in recent years.

“We have worked with several utility programs across the nation and really enjoy working with Focus on Energy,” said Michael Holman, Project Manager at ROI Energy Investments. “The program is easy to work with, the process is straightforward and the staff is very helpful and amazing.”

In 2018, the company worked to improve energy efficiency at the Wisconsin locations of several big box stores and national chains. ROI Energy Investments helps those retailers determine eligibility for Focus on Energy programs and get their incentive applications processed.

Through the first nine months of 2018, the company’s energy efficiency projects with retailers in Wisconsin achieved first-year energy savings estimated at almost 4 million kilowatt hours. That equals the electricity needs of 446 homes for one year.

Some of the projects include HVAC and refrigeration systems, but the majority focus on LED lighting upgrades because they not only save money but also improve the in-store experience for the retailers’ customers. Improved lighting can also improve the appearance of products and packaging, grabbing consumers’ attention. Studies have shown that improving lighting quality can lead to increases in product sales.

Without the assistance from national rebate administrators like ROI Energy Investments, many large national retailers would be less aware of the available energy-efficient upgrade opportunities available through their utilities.

A recent evaluation report found every $1 invested in Focus on Energy programs creates $5.93 in benefits for Wisconsin, including economic benefits, reduced energy costs, and reduced pollution.

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities’ statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control Wisconsin’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com.