About Us Overview

About Us

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities’ statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities, as required under Wis. Stat. § 196.374(2)(a), and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy has been in existence since 2001.

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 energy projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. 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.

The primary organizations that make up the Focus on Energy program include:

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has oversight of the statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. This includes: review and approval of the Program Administrator selected by the utilities and of the contracts between the utilities and Program Administrator for the administration of statewide programs; contracting with one or more independent parties for an annual performance evaluation and financial audits of the statewide programs; requiring each energy utility to spend the amount required to fund statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource programs; and managing day-to-day program activities.

Statewide Energy Efficiency and Renewable Administration (SEERA)

SEERA creates and funds statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. SEERA also contracts, on the basis of competitive bids, with one or more persons to administer the programs. SEERA has no obligations regarding the statewide programs other than creating and funding the programs and contracting for their administration.

Program Administrator

Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. is the Program Administrator for Focus on Energy, responsible for overall contract management and coordination of specific program offerings, utility coordination, umbrella marketing and communication activities, and reporting to SEERA and the PSC.

Fiscal Agent

Wipfli LLP in a fiduciary capacity, receives, distributes and accounts for statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy funds under Act 141.

Evaluation

The Cadmus Group leads a team of evaluation experts to quantify the energy saving impacts of the Focus on Energy Program on Wisconsin's citizens and economy. The evaluators are charged with independently verifying Program Administrator reports of energy savings.

Compliance Agent 

Baker Tilly performs audits to ensure that Program Administrators, contractors and subcontractors comply with the Policy and Procedures Manual created for Focus on Energy as well as contractual requirements.