City Receives $750,000 to Expand Energy Efficiency Programs

City, Schools, MGE to Collaborate on Energy Efficiency Efforts

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz joined MGE and Sustain Dane today in announcing that the city will receive $750,000 to expand its energy efficiency work in the community, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a $250,000 local match from MGE. "We've made incredible progress in working together as a community to reduce carbon emissions and save money, but there is more work to do," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "Thanks to the grant from EPA and a generous local match from MGE, we can accelerate our efforts and make even more progress." "MGE was a founding partner of the City's Clean Energy Challenge," Gary Wolter, President and CEO of Madison Gas and Electric Company said. "We are pleased that our local match will allow the City to take advantage of this EPA grant and extend this innovative program throughout our community." The funding will expand the Mpower Program, the first of its kind initiative to train businesses to green their operations and reduce their carbon emissions. So far, 15 businesses are implementing more than 75 sustainability projects through the program. In five years, it's estimated that these businesses will save over $3.4 million and reduce carbon emissions by 67,000 metric tons. "We are experts in Floor Coverings, not greenhouse gas emissions," Jim Garner, CEO of Sergenian's Floor Coverings said. "Without the support and expertise of Mpower Program, the initiatives that we've identified would stand little chance of successful implementation." With the additional funding, Sustain Dane will broaden its efforts and work with over 100 businesses in the next three years, as well as work with the Madison Metropolitan School District. "Collaboration between the city, school district and business community around carbon reduction is essential to our future and we're thrilled to be a part of bringing these entities together," Kristen Joiner, Executive Director of Sustain Dane said. "The School District is excited to be a leader in reducing the carbon footprint within Dane County by partnering with Sustain Dane and the city of Madison," Superintendent Dan Nerad said.