The fund supports energy efficiency programs that reduce the demand or improve the efficiency of use of electric and gas service. These initiatives are aimed at helping to improve the reliability of these energy sources for everyone. These initiatives will promote energy efficiency measures such as the use of more energy efficient lighting, appliances, motors, home building techniques and industrial processes. Energy efficiency efforts will focus on a variety of energy users including residents, businesses, schools and government agencies. This program also aids in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.
Electric companies collect the money, but make no profit from the new charge.
They must pass all the money collected to the State of Wisconsin Utility Public Benefits Fund. This fund is used to support energy conservation and efficiency programs and to provide assistance to low-income households in Wisconsin. Money used for energy conservation and efficiency programs will fund grants to make energy efficient products and services more competitive and more widely known. Grants will also be used for promoting environmental protection, electric system reliability, rural economic development and renewable energy education. To comply with the state law that created the charge, the utility will limit the amount to no more than 3 percent of charges for electric service in a given month.