- Focus on Energy collaborates with True Value to implement energy efficient improvements -

MADISON, Wis. (June 24, 2005) - Kalahari Resort, an indoor/outdoor waterpark and conference center in Wisconsin Dells, will save more than $22,000 in energy costs each year for the next seven years. The savings are one of the benefits of installing 5,500 ENERGY STARÒ qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout the resort's guest rooms, suites and condos. The 15 watt CFLs replaced existing 60 watt incandescent bulbs. Director of Facilities Anthony Mano worked with Steffes True Value, Wisconsin Dells, to determine the best lighting options for the facility. Through its partnership with Focus on Energy, the state's renewable energy and energy efficiency program, True Value was able to provide the resort instant Cash-Back Rewards on the purchase of the CFLs.

For the past four years, Focus on Energy has educated Wisconsin residents and businesses about the benefits of switching to CFLs to reduce their utility bills while saving energy and protecting the environment. The efficiency measures implemented by the Kalahari Resort are expected to reduce annual energy consumption by more than 293,597 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity - enough to power 29 Wisconsin homes for one year.

"The decision to install CFLs was a 99 percent no-brainer for payback," said Mano. "The CFLs provide more light for one quarter of the cost and have a longer life span which cuts down on labor cost and guest inconvenience."

The bulbs installed at the Kalahari Resort will not only help the resort's bottom line but will help the environment as well by preventing the emissions of 704,633 pounds of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere the first year alone. That is the environmental equivalent of removing 47 cars from the road.
"Switching to CFLs was a really smart business decision for Kalahari Resort," said Gary Booth, of Steffes True Value in Wisconsin Dells. "We were happy to supply the CFLs that will ultimately help their bottom line, as well as prove valuable to our community's environment."

There are a variety of other ways hotels and lodging facilities can save money and energy, including replacing incandescent EXIT signs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) EXIT signs. The LEDs are virtually maintenance free and last up to ten years. Greater efficiency savings also can be achieved by replacing electric water heaters with natural gas units and insulating all hot water pipes to maximize efficiency. Facilities with swimming pools can maximize comfort and structural durability while minimizing energy costs by maintaining humidity levels and minimizing evaporation.

"Focus on Energy can work with any lodging business to identify energy efficiency opportunities," said Mindy Guilfoyle, hospitality team leader for Focus on Energy's Commercial Programs. "Many owners and facility managers know that they spend a lot of money on utilities, but they may not be aware of ways they can control these costs and that Focus on Energy can help."

About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers throughout Wisconsin. The goals of this program are to encourage energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, enhance the environment and ensure the future supply of energy for Wisconsin. Since July 2001, the program has helped Wisconsin's businesses and residents cut their utility bills by more than $74 million - reducing their energy consumption by more than 703 million kilowatt-hours and more than 32 million therms of natural gas. For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
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