Whiz was definitely feeling the pinch.  He was bleeding energy dollars to the tune of $14.5 billion annually.  Fourteen billion bucks each year to truck in coal and oil products.  But what choice did he have?  He had to have energy to get anything done; it was a worry, but what else could he do?

          After a sleepless night, Whiz Connzin, knew he needed help and decided to see Les Savesomm, a financial planner. That afternoon Whiz laid it all out.  “Without fossil fuel resources of my own, I’m constantly buying fuel from other states.  My energy production deficit is one of the biggest of any state in the country!” Whiz complained.

          Les took notes then rifled through his files and pulled out a report and tossed on the desk in front of Whiz.  “What you need is COWS,” Les declared.  “Cows?” Whiz cried unbelievingly. “That’s the best you can do?  I’ve already got cows LOTS of cows!”

         “Oh sorry,” Les apologized, “I don’t mean mooing cows.  I mean COWS (Center On Wisconsin Strategy), the UW Madison research institute.  They’ve recently released a report that just may have the answers you’re looking for.”

          Whiz poured over the report that night. “Holy COWS!” Whiz smiled, “Look at the money I could save by transitioning to in-state wind and solar energy sources and an all-electric economy.” 

• Lower Total Energy Use - Electric equipment is more efficient than combustion engines and conversion loss is also reduced.
• Jobs - 162,000 energy-related jobs would be created.
• Larger GDP - In-state energy expenditures would increase Wisconsin’s GDP by $14 billion.
• Higher Tax Revenues – An increase of approximately $560 million
• Lower CO2 Emissions - Environmental benefits worth $4.5 billion and the reduced air pollution would avoid $21 billion in health care costs.

         “Wow!” thought Whiz, “lower costs, more jobs, increased tax revenue and healthier air.  What’s not to like?  It’s hard to make changes, but I’ve been beholding to the energy companies for far too long.  And I’m chock-full of smart cookies who know the value of a dollar and who also value a healthy environment.  Financially, this is the kind of change we should make and environmentally we must.  Because if we don’t care for this planet, where else would we graze our cows?  The only home we’ll ever know is right here where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”

       Saturday night euchre at the local tap.  Dee sauntered through the door, and Bill waved her over, “Just who we need.  Pull up a chair!” he called.  Minnie was already shuffling the deck, and Lemmie was setting up the first round of drinks.  Dee settled in.
 
       But it wasn’t her night.  The cards just didn’t fall her way no matter who she partnered with.  “Hoo-boy!  I’m just not having any luck. Maybe it’s a sign. I’ve been pricing some energy efficiency upgrades at my business.  But they’re expensive; maybe it’s too risky.   I want them to pay for themselves by the time I sell the business and retire.” Dee Veloper lamented.
 
       “What a coincidence!  I looked at some energy up-grades at my apartment building too,” Bill Dingowner offered.  “Didn’t think I could swing it until I learned about the PACE program.  You know about that?” he asked.

       “Never heard of it.  Tell me.” Dee replied.
 
       Bill went on to explain that PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy, a program that Iowa County participates in.  PACE allows a property owner to finance the up-front costs for energy efficiency upgrades in lighting, heating & cooling, insulation and even for adding solar panels.  The costs are then paid back over time through a voluntary assessment on the property tax bill.  The savings in energy costs are greater than the additional assessment, so the owner comes out ahead right from the start.
 
       And here’s the best part.  The assessment is attached to the property rather than to the individual.  So if the property is sold, the new owner is responsible for the remainder of those payments.  But they also benefit from the energy savings already in place.  It’s pretty much a guaranteed financial and energy savings for both the current and any future owners!
 
       Minnie Sturr was thrilled to learn that her church and other non-profits are eligible for PACE financing.   Lemmie Growcropps said he’d been wanting to add solar panels to his barn.  With PACE financing, he could make it happen.
 
        Despite the lousy cards, it turned out to be a great night for Dee after all.  She’d learned how she could save money, have a more comfortable workplace, and reduce pollution emissions into the environment too.  Now she’s able to keep pace with building a healthy world, here where we’re all forever… Earthbound.