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Audit shows benefits of Focus on Energy program

01.01.70

A newly released report by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau indicates the state's Focus on Energy program returns $2.30 for every dollar invested.

"Analyses completed under contract with the (Public Service Commission) have concluded societal benefits generated by Focus on Energy are more than twice as great as the associated costs," writes state auditor Joe Chrisman.

The audit was conducted at the request of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, which is co-chaired by Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, and Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Powers Lake.

"We need to have an independent audit of Focus on Energy to make sure that ratepayers are getting their money's worth," Cowles said in March , when the audit was requested. "Electric ratepayers in our state are under tremendous financial pressure right now, and we need more certainty on program effectiveness."

Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday trumpeted the audit bureau's report and ripped those on the other side of the political aisle who voted to cut the Focus budget earlier this year.

Source: Capital Times