Madison (WKOW) — Wisconsin has the most cost-effective energy program in the country, according to a recently published federal study.

The group announced the ranking during a news conference Tuesday and the construction site for the new Verona High School, which is a project in Focus on Energy’s Design Assistance Program.

Verona Area School District is working with Eppstein Uhen Architects and Focus on Energy on several energy efficiency measures in the building.

Focus on Energy is funded by 107 utility companies across the state. It works with eligible residents and business owners to install cost-effective and renewable energy projects. The goal is to help people manage rising costs, promote economic growth and to protect the environment.

The Berkeley National Laboratory study analyzed energy efficiency programs funded by utility customers that were implemented between 2009 and 2015 and compared 41 states. The report put the cost of saved electricity for Wisconsin’s program administrator, Focus on Energy at one cent per kilowatt-hour saved.

“Focus on Energy provides great value for Wisconsin,” says Rebecca Valcq, Chair of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. “Energy efficiency makes economic sense, creates new jobs and is an important part of Governor Evers’ goal to make all electricity produced in the state carbon free by 2050. Focus on Energy has made Wisconsin a national leader in energy efficiency and we look forward to supporting its continued success.”

Takeaways from the report include:

Small business participation increased 46%

Rural residential participation increased 29%

Savings from heating and cooling technology nearly tripled

Accounted for 28,531,208 tons of avoided carbon dioxide (equivalent of taking six million cars off the road for one year)

Highlights from the 2018 annual evaluation of Focus on Energy include:

More than $5 in benefits for every $1 invested

First-year annual electricity savings of more than $90 million

Participant satisfaction increased to 9.1 out of 10

Increased participation in 13 of 16 core programs, with 128,885 residential participants and 6,135 nonresidential participants