Integrys Energy Group

Energy Efficiency

Environment

Climate Legislation
Energy Efficiency
Renewable Energy
Emissions Trading
Nuclear Energy
Land Management
Balancing Environmental & Economic Interests

"Does Integrys Energy Group believe energy efficiency can make a difference for the environment?": Yes, we do.

"Does Integrys Energy Group try to be efficient in its own operations?": Yes, we do.

Background

For decades, energy companies have encouraged customers to use energy efficiently in order to save energy. Terms used for this effort include energy efficiency (making better use of energy through more efficient technology), energy conservation (making better use of energy by changing our behavior) and load management (shifting energy use to off-peak periods). In the 1970s and 1980s, an energy crisis prompted the creation of energy-efficiency programs that encouraged customers to buy energy-efficient appliances. In the 1990s, rising energy prices brought energy-management programs to the forefront. Today, with an increasing concern about the environment, these programs help us all be more responsible energy consumers.

The Integrys Viewpoint

Integrys Energy Group has always believed it has a responsibility to help customers use energy wisely. It's part of our mission to provide customers with the best value in energy and energy-related services. Whether the result is a lower energy bill or a lesser impact on the environment, energy-saving information and programs are valuable to our customers. A new priority for our company is to focus on energy efficiency in our own operations.

We believe:

Energy efficiency can help address climate change. Energy efficiency is a critical, cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions, helping the environment for the long term. Integrys companies in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other states have energy-efficiency resources and programs in place for customers and are continually developing new ones.
We must practice energy efficiency in our own operations. Our companies are focused on providing safe, reliable energy. We've always provided programs and information to help our customers make the most of the energy they use. As Integrys has become increasingly attuned to our impact on the environment, we have been changing our behavior. We realize that the best way to encourage energy efficiency is to begin "at home," in our own operations. With our own energy-efficiency success stories, we are better able to be a resource for customers.

Our Actions

Integrys Energy Group is addressing environmental issues by helping everyone get more energy-efficient. We are:

Promoting energy efficiency. We actively educate customers about energy-efficient buildings and appliances and simple ways to use less energy. Here are some examples:
- Wisconsin Public Service, like other Wisconsin electric utilities, funds Focus on Energy. Focus on Energy is a state-utility partnership offering energy-saving programs to homeowners, businesses and industry. Wisconsin Public Service helped develop and pilot popular Focus on Energy programs. For example, the Appliance Pick-Up Program pays customers for their old, inefficient appliances and disposes of them safely. The Hometown Energy Check-Up for Small Business is an on-site energy audit for small businesses who want to save energy.
- Minnesota Energy Resources offers two types of energy-saving audits. The standard audit gives customers information on energy-saving measures with potential costs and estimated energy savings. Customers also receive more than $30 in weatherization materials. The performance audit provides a more comprehensive analysis, including a blower door test to determine air-tightness, an infrared inspection to pinpoint air leaks and moisture problems, and a safety and carbon monoxide test. The utility picks up most of the cost for the audits, with the customer paying a reduced amount. Minnesota Energy Resources also offers rebates for energy-efficient heating, water heating, appliances in new homes and other equipment, as well as incentives for commercial customers to install energy-efficient equipment.
- Peoples Gas is a premier sponsor of a Smart Home that was recently built at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. It is a sustainable, green home that demonstrates new energy-efficiency ideas. The home is warmed by Peoples Gas. Beginning in October 2008, we will be offering new energy-efficiency programs to our Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas customers.
- Integrys Energy Services has a business segment focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation. This ensures the business is ready to address customers' increasing desire for environmentally friendly products and services.
- On all of our subsidiaries' Web sites, customers can find Energy-Saving Tips & Ideas to help them manage their energy use and bills.
Promoting innovative rate designs, such as decoupling. Decoupling is a rate design that allows energy companies to promote energy efficiency without negative financial consequences for the companies. When energy companies promote energy efficiency, they essentially tell customers, "Use less of the product we sell." It's an unusual statement for any business to make, but it's the right thing to do for customers and the environment. At the same time, every publicly traded energy company has a responsibility to provide shareholders with a reasonable return on their investment. That keeps energy companies viable so they can continue providing safe, reliable energy and help keep the economy working. Decoupling helps balance the interests of customers, the environment and investors. It separates the utility's recovery of fixed costs from the amount of energy delivered to customers. As customers reduce their energy use, the financial health of the utility is not jeopardized. And decoupling supports continued investment by shareholders so energy companies can continue to be viable. Decoupling is used in 13 states and is pending in 5 other states.
Incorporating energy efficiency in our own operations. We believe it's worth the energy it takes to make improvements in efficiency. It's even more exciting to make changes like these:
- Wisconsin Public Service is building a new operations center in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The new building will be certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a program of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED program seeks human and environmental health, sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
- Minnesota Energy Resources is building a new operations center in Rochester, Minnesota. This facility will also be LEED-certified.
- Integrys has an Energy Management Team. The team's goal is to reduce energy use by 10% in more than 20 Integrys buildings by the end of 2008. The team's first step was to track energy use and engage employees in the planning. Several projects are in progress, including a computer monitor policy; lighting upgrades; digital controls for heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and occupancy sensors.
Joining energy-efficiency discussions at the state and local level. The president and CEO of Integrys Energy Group, serves on Wisconsin Governor Doyle's Task Force on Global Warming. The task force brings together Wisconsin business, industry, government, energy and environmental leaders to examine ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin. It was directed to develop recommendations that will reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 60% to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Representatives from Wisconsin Public Service served on working groups to generate the final recommendations of the task force. These include, for example, enhanced energy efficiency, energy-efficient and green building codes, energy-efficient lighting for rental properties, a voluntary Initiative to support long-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions, a study to examine the feasibility of wind generation on the lakes, reform for siting of wind turbines and a geologic carbon sequestration study. For more information about the Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Global Warming, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/.

In Illinois, Peoples Gas is among a core group of utility and industry leaders helping to shape the climate change agenda of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. The mayor has set challenging goals for the city and has charged the Chicago Department on Environment with researching and implementing a sweeping plan to reduce greenhouse emissions. The priorities include reducing energy use through stringent building code enhancements, promoting green infrastructure such as green roofs, reducing travel emissions and moving to a clean, efficient energy supply. The city of Chicago Climate Change Agenda is expected to be introduced by the end of 2008.
Participating in industry organizations to encourage energy-efficient technology and solutions. Integrys Energy Group is a long-standing member of Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the American Gas Association (AGA). These groups are engaged in the public debate about how to address climate change. Both groups promote energy efficiency as the cornerstone of any climate change solution.