As a member of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, through the Cooperative's participation in the Focus on Energy Program, you can take advantage of the information, resources and financial incentives Focus offers. Focus on Energy helps Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state development, protect the environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and naatural gas.
Before you do anything in your home seen or advertised by Focus on Energy, always contact them first for specific information.

Read about 101 low or no cost ways to save energy in your home. Areas include your kitchen, heating, cooling, and your hot water heater.

You can conduct a Home Audit to estimate your energy use. The wattage of appliances (equipment) and the amount of operating time can vary greatly.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative links you to helpful information from Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Click the Home Energy Savings Guide to find ways to manage your energy use and reduce costs.

Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and our nation's limited energy resources. It can also make your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. Walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Use the energy from Mother Earth to heat and cool your home or business. GeoExchange (geothermal) systems are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA found that GeoExchange heating and cooling systems can reduce energy consumption--and corresponding emissions--by over 40% compared to air source heat pumps and by over 70% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment.

The economic stimulus package has beocme a fact. Given the hard times, now it's your turn to benefit. Get a tax credit for up to $1,500 dollars on the cost of insultating, sealing and weather-stripping your home.

Use this guide to create an awareness of your lifestyle and learn what effects it can have on your energy budget and the environment. Make this your first step to better energy management.