Focus on Energy supports energy efficiency and renewable energy research and screening of new solutions through its EERD and Pilot offerings. Below you will find information and links to active research and pilot initiatives. To learn more about past research and pilot initiatives, a searchable archive can be found below.
Environmental & Economic Research and Development Program (EERD)
Focus on Energy supports energy efficiency and renewable energy research through the Environmental & Economic Research and Development Program (EERD). EERD research projects allow Wisconsin to further its efforts towards reducing energy waste, costs, and environmental impacts. EERD projects are selected through a targeted competitive request for proposals (RFP) process that occurs approximately once per year. Focus on Energy also accepts research concepts or ideas on a rolling basis. The 2020 Request for Concept Papers has closed. Please email focusinfo@focusonenergy.com for more information.
Recently Completed EERD projects
Energy Efficiency and Load Shaping
- Final Report (February 2021)
- Presentation (February 2, 2021) recording
- Presentation slide deck
Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS)
- Final Report (June 2021)
- Presentation (June 25, 2021) recording
- Presentation slide deck
Cold Climate Variable Refrigerant Flow
- Final Report (June 2021)
- Presentation (June 30, 2021) recording
- Presentation slide deck
Single Family & Multifamily Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
- Final Report (October 2021)
- Presentation (September 21, 2021)
- Presentation slide deck
Dehumidification in Wisconsin
- Final Report (November 2021)
- Presentation (December 2021)
- Presentation slide deck
Future Focus Initiative
Focus on Energy’s Future Focus process reviews new concepts and technologies that have the potential to expand the range and value of services available to Wisconsinites, as well as help the program achieve desired outcomes of energy savings, customer satisfaction, and/or market transformation. The process also helps test offerings for future expansion/inclusion in the Focus on Energy program portfolio. Concepts and technologies are screened on a quarterly basis and can be submitted here. Any questions about future opportunities may be directed to focusinfo@focusonenergy.com.
Active Pilots:
Building Performance Consultant Training: Focus on Energy provides training of Building Performance Consultant apprentices. Apprentices will be trained on RESNET and work alongside existing Building Performance Consultants over four to six months to gain field experience. Additional recruitment and training for Building Performance Apprentices will occur throughout the year.
Electric New Homes: Focus on Energy aims to expand reach to rural territories with historically lower program participation by providing Trade Ally trainings and education sessions on heat pump technologies. The program targets areas largely served by propane and will use energy monitoring devices to better understand the impact and savings potential of heat pump technologies. Builders are continuously engaged to improve awareness of enhanced incentive opportunities and benefits of heat pump technologies.
Trade Ally Training: Focus on Energy is offering Trade Ally Trainings that includes support for the HVAC, renewables, and insulation and air sealing industries. These trainings are flexible and scalable to allow Trade Allies and school districts to initiate contact. The goal is to fill-in technical support gaps in the industry and support Trade Ally talent pipeline development.
The Save to Give Challenge: The Save to Give Challenge, launched in January 2021, empowers rural Wisconsin communities to save energy while investing in local organizations. By changing habits at home, participants can reduce energy bills earning points towards a donation to a community selected local nonprofit. Learn more about the pilot.
Virtual CommissioningTM: Launched in May 2021 in partnership with Xcel Energy, the Focus on Energy Virtual Commissioning (VCxTM) pilot provides an innovative way to help small to mid-sized businesses reduce their energy use without the need for an on-site visit or costly investments. On average, VCx can help businesses save 14% on their annual energy usage. Learn more about VCx including how it works and what participants to expect.
Multifamily Strategic Energy Management: Multifamily housing, comprising both owners and unit occupants, presents a unique challenge in the world of energy efficiency. Strategic Energy Management (SEM) is an innovative approach to saving energy, focusing on engaging coaching and collaborative group workshops, which has been successfully deployed in various commercial sectors. In collaboration with Madison Gas & Electric, this pilot will launch summer 2021.
Healthy Homes: Focus on Energy introduced the Healthy Homes pilot in January 2020. This effort provides healthy home assessments and home improvements to households with members suffering with pediatric asthma. Focus on Energy has partnered with healthcare providers in Wisconsin to identify eligible homes and seeks to facilitate long term partnerships with the healthcare industry to address the intersection of energy efficiency and healthy indoor environments.