The state’s Focus on Energy program will be getting a closer look. Legislative audit committee chair, state Senator Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay), said the scope of the state’s energy conservation program is growing, yet there’s never been a full audit. “We’re spending a lot of money on this,” said Cowles. “It’s about $90 million right now, and it’s planned to go up to $256 million over the next four years. We’ve never had a program audit done.”
Cowles said there have not been any red flags associated with the program, which works with eligible residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. “I’m hoping that everything is working out fine, but invariably whenever there’s this much money, you’re going to see problems.” Focus on Energy is funded through a surcharge on utility bills and is under the oversight of the state Public Service Commission.