MADISON – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, increased energy savings by 17 percent in 2012, according to a report conducted by The Cadmus Group, Inc.

The 2012 study analyzed the program's performance and its benefits and costs for the state of Wisconsin, according to statement. The participation in Focus on Energy’s programs also increased and there were high degrees of customer satisfaction.

“The report found that Focus on Energy provided incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to over 1 million residential and business customers in 2012. This represents a nine-fold increase in participation from the previous year. The report also found that Focus on Energy helped Wisconsin ratepayers save over $620 million when accounting for energy costs and environmental benefits,” according to the statement.

Through projects implemented with the assistance of Focus on Energy incentives, there were about 650 million kWh (equivalent to a year of electricity for about 92,000 homes) and 26 million Therms in energy savings, which is the highest level of electric energy savings and the second highest level of natural gas savings achieved in the program's history, according to the statement.

“More Wisconsinites are participating in and benefiting from Focus on Energy's portfolio of programs,” said William S. Haas, program director.  “We specifically designed a variety of programs to provide more opportunities for utility ratepayers to save energy at home and at work.”