Have you ever looked closely at your utility bill? There is an item called "Non-taxable Customer Charge" or "Fixed Charge — Non-Taxable." This is a fee the State of Wisconsin charges to support energy conservation efforts. Unfortunately, previous state administrations have taken this money to balance the state budget. This year, Governor Doyle has committed to returning $40 million of this money to its original conservation purposes.

MMSD has accessed this pot of money through the state's Focus on Energy program. This program provides grants to schools and other non-profits for energy efficient upgrades. To date, MMSD has received over $200,000 in grants. This grant money along with good energy efficient design in the referendum projects have allowed MMSD to save over $600,000 annually in utility bills.

This month, the Governor recognized MMSD for our long term commitment to energy conservation by awarding us the Governors Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award. During this presentation, another grant of $45,000 from Focus on Energy was given to MMSD for energy saving software on our computers.

Mark Evans and Dennie Jeanquart in Technical Services worked with Verdiem Software Group to install a program that will turn every computer in the district off late at night. This software will save over $500,000 in a five year period.

Every MMSD employee can help save money. The simplest way is TURN YOUR LIGHTS OFF in your room when you are not there.

Several schools have started energy clubs, to educate students and staff on energy conservation. We have involved MGE, the UW and other outside groups to speak to students. If you are interested in what an energy club can do, see http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/bldgsrvc/, and under "Environment" click on "Hawthorne Energy Club Video."

EVERY DOLLAR WE SAVE ON OUR ELECTRIC BILL IS ANOTHER DOLLAR THAT GOES TO THE CLASSROOM.

Building Services Director Doug Pearson accepts a check for $45,000 from WI Public Service Commission Chairperson Dan Ebert. The check represents a grant from Focus on Energy to the MMSD for energy saving software on district computers.

MMSD is working with a software company to install a program that will turn off every computer in the district late at night. This software will save over $500,000 in a five year period.

Related MMSD Links

• Energy Efficient Schools in School News Weekly