Northwest Wisconsin Camp Embracing Energy Efficiency

Luther Park Reduces Energy Costs, Saving Resources for Primary Mission

Siren – Luther Park Bible Camp has been welcoming kids since the early 1930’s in Siren and can bring in well over 1,000 kids during one summer. The camp works in partnership with Lutheran congregations and Executive Director Joel Legred says the camp strives to be a good steward of the environment and the funds that support its ministry.

That is why camp leaders scheduled an energy assessment with Focus on Energy when the program’s limited-time Community Small Business Offering campaign came to Siren in partnership with Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (NWEC), one of the 107 Wisconsin utilities that fund the statewide Focus on Energy program. The assessment led the camp to upgrade some of its lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs.

“We so appreciate the assistance provided through the Focus on Energy [program] that we received to upgrade/convert our florescent lights to LEDs! We noticed immediately that the lights were much brighter and we anticipate energy savings…will be around 30%,” says Legred.

The new lights are expected to save about $600 annually on Luther Park’s electric bill. Focus on Energy incentives totaling more than $1,500 helped offset the cost of the project and made it happen, according to Legred.
 
“We likely wouldn't have been able to do it on our own,” he said. “We have now completed about half of our lighting fixtures and hope that, if this is available again in the future, we can take care of the remaining fixtures.”

A recent evaluation report found every $1 invested in Focus on Energy programs creates $5.93 in benefits for Wisconsin, including economic benefits, reduced energy costs, and reduced pollution.

About Focus on Energy 
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state's investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control Wisconsin's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

About Luther Park
Luther Park is located on a 100-acre site near Siren, covered with towering pines and surrounded by beautiful views of Prairie Lake. It offers a Christ-centered camping experience for people of all ages in all seasons, including children and youth summer camps. Luther Park also hosts retreats, conferences.