February 09 Update eMail

Tips to keep warm

Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of this cold winter. Bundle up and review the checklist from Focus on Energy to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep your heating costs to a minimum this year. We hope you already do these, but if not, now is the time to start!

Here are Mpower’s two favorite tips:

  • Change the direction of your ceiling fan
    Ceiling fans are not just for cooling. Most models have a button on the base that changes the direction of the blades. In winter, set the blades to rotate clockwise to produce a gentle updraft, which moves warm air from the ceiling and distributes it evenly throughout the room.
  • Use an ENERGY STAR® qualified programmable thermostat
    Inexpensive and easy to install, programmable thermostats automatically turn down the heat while you are sleep or away, saving you as much as $100 per year. You can reduce your heating bill by one percent for each degree up to five degrees the temperature is set back over an eight hour period.
If you have additional tips you would like to share with your fellow pledges, please reply to this email and your tips will be posted with the email updates on the web page.

In case you missed the Green Business Conference!


On Dec 8th, more than 200 business leaders from across the state gathered at Epic Systems corporate campus for the first Annual WI Sustainable Business Council. Attendees heard presentations on green jobs, corporate social reporting, risk and liability as a driver of corporate performance, the post-election landscape and marketing and brand-building around a green identity. All the conference proceedings are posted and videos from all of the speakers that spoke in the auditorium are available for viewing (look for "Videos from the conference" half way down the page).

Many attendees expressed an interest in continuing to meet in regional groups following the conference. Groups in the Madison area and the Milwaukee area are being developed, and companies in either region are encouraged to contact Tom Eggert, the conference convener at teggert@bus.wisc.edu for more information.


Show Madison Lakes Your Love

At Garden Expo


Save Water, Save $$, Reduce your C02
Conserve water and be the first to take advantage of the gardening benefits of naturally harvested water as the winter thaw turns to spring. Now through Feb 12th, individuals that have pledged to Mpower can purchase a Sustain Dane single rainbarrel system and receive $15 off of your order or a Sustain Dane tandem rainbarrel system and receive $20 off your order. This offer is only good through February 12th and orders must be placed online at www.rainfordane.org or by phone (608) 316.6844. Orders must be picked up during the hours of the WPT Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center.


At Winter Fest


Join in the fun at Madison's Winter Fest. Bring your camera and take pictures with the 9 ft M! Visit the Mpower booth between the Historical Museum and Teddy Wedgers on State Street to build snow M's or watch the races from our tent between 12 and 4pm on Saturday, February 14th!

At the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival

Please join the River Alliance of Wisconsin on February 10th, 2009 as they host the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival On Tour, sponsored by Patagonia. Local sponsors include Home Savings Bank, Fontana Sports, and The Trek Bicycle Stores of Madison.

Beginning at 7pm and taking place at the Majestic Theatre in Madison, the event will include four films from the 2009 Festival, a post-screening reception catered by The Roman Candle, a prize raffle featuring Patagonia gear, and a special appearance by Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton. Tickets are $10 for the screening, and $25 for the screening and reception. As a special bonus, all $25 ticket buyers automatically become members of the River Alliance of Wisconsin! Tickets available now at both Madison-area Fontana Sports stores, the River Alliance office, online through Brown Paper Tickets, and the Majestic Theatre box office - both in advance and on the night of the event. For more information, call 608.257.2424 x116


Focus On Energy is offering a PC Networking Promotion

Now though August 30, 2009 Focus is offering double the financial incentives when you take advantage of PC network energy management solutions. Focus on Energy will pay $12 per computer controlled, up to 50 percent of project cost.

For more information, application and coupon visit: http://www.focusonenergy.com/Business/loose_pages/pccontrols.aspx