Energy Independent Community

Last month, Utility Commission and City Council Members unanimously voted to participate in the recently formed Energy Independent Community Partnership at the highest “three star” level. This innovative partnership with the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral piece to advancing energy independence in our state.

The state of Wisconsin has a long history of being a national leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2007, Governor Jim Doyle took the next step and created the Office of Energy Independence with a vision to include generating 25% of our state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025; capturing 10% of the emerging bioindustry and renewable energy market by 2030; and leading the nation in groundbreaking research that will make renewable energy more affordable and will create good paying Wisconsin jobs. Meeting these “energy independence” goals will require a coordinated commitment and effort from Wisconsin state agencies in partnership with private citizens, industries and organizations; therefore, the creation of the Energy Independent Community Partnership was formed. This voluntary agreement embraces the approaches and solutions that communities such as River Falls through POWERful Choices! is currently exploring, and will continue to foster innovation of energy resources and emerging technology.

Some of the partnership benefits include additional access to state and federal funding; increased technical assistance; and improved energy efficiency creating additional savings and capital availability for budgeting.

To learn more about Energy Independent Communities, go to Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence.