River Falls to “Lead by Example” in energy conservation
A press release issued by Wisconsin Public Power Inc.
River Falls, Wis. – The River Falls City Council on April 24 passed a resolution to implement a community-wide energy program that could make River Falls a model for the wise use of energy resources in the state and region. The initiative, named “Lead by Example,” is intended to instill in the community a strong conservation ethic and to promote local energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy resource development efforts.
“We’re pleased that River Falls will take on this important challenge,” said River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) General Manager Carl Gaulke. “Together with our power supplier, Wisconsin Public Power Inc., our municipal utility is committed to making River Falls a better place to live and work. Providing leadership to further the goal of motivating the community to work together to save energy and use electricity more efficiently is one of the ways we can do so.”
The City Council resolution sets forth a goal to reduce community demand for electricity by 10% by encouraging and increasing energy efficiency, conservation, renewable and environmental activities by the utility, local government, schools, businesses and residents. Part of this effort includes establishing a municipal policy to curb energy use in municipally-owned facilities.
The utility plans to form a local leadership committee to help steer the overall effort and encourage participation in the initiative. Power supplier Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI) will contribute to the community’s efforts through a combination of financial support and energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy programs.
Assistance for the initiative also could come from the local university. RFMU, WPPI and UW-River Falls recently agreed on a joint effort to develop mutually beneficial renewable energy and energy conservation programs, projects and educational activities within the community of River Falls and on the UW-River Falls campus.
Weston Arndt, WPPI energy services representative serving the River Falls utility, believes community members will find the comprehensive effort to be worthwhile.
“Conservation comes with both economic and environmental benefits,” said Arndt. “In choosing to lead by example now, River Falls community members will leave a legacy of a cleaner energy future and also save on energy costs. It is far cheaper to conserve energy today than it is to build new generation plants.”
Gaulke said the community already has in place several important elements that will provide a solid foundation for the program. “River Falls Municipal Utilities already promotes energy conservation through its Commitment to Community programs, which are designed to increase community energy efficiency, promote clean air and water and reduce landfill waste,” said Gaulke.
Community support for renewable energy also is quite strong in River Falls. With a customer participation rate of 5.4%, River Falls was the only Wisconsin utility to be recognized on this year’s national ‘Top 10’ list for renewable energy program customer participation rates.
The first steps in implementing the “Leading by Example” program will include forming the local leadership committee and identifying the next steps for the initiative.
“We’re eager to get started,” said Gaulke. “We all share a responsibility for the long-term economic and environmental health of our community, and we all must do our part. River Falls Municipal Utilities recognizes this shared responsibility. We look forward to doing our part and helping our community lead by example.”
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River Falls Municipal Utilities is a community-owned, environmentally-responsible electric company committed to improving local and global quality of life through active environmental stewardship. The utility serves more than 5,600 homes and businesses.
Wisconsin Public Power Inc. is a regional power company serving 48 customer-owned electric utilities in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Iowa. Through WPPI, these public power utilities share resources and own generation facilities to provide reliable, affordable electricity to 185,000 homes and businesses.
