Last year Wausau Paper Corporation received $343,274 from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, to launch energy-saving efforts at the paper company’s Wisconsin mills.

Rhinelander, along with Brokaw and Mosinee, received cash incentives designed to save more than 3,683,717 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 973,313 therms of natural gas annually – enough energy to power 1,370 homes for a year. As a result, Wausau Paper will also benefit from $1 million in savings on its utility bills each year.

A large portion of the funding was used to investigate new technologies and find ways to save energy throughout the company. “We have a measurable reduction in energy use,” said Tim Hasbargen, manager of engineering and utilities at the Rhinelander mill. “Our meters tell us that every month.”

Rhinelander downsized a pump and motor, then controlled the motor with a variable speed drive. Replacing over-sized equipment proved to be an effective way to save energy and money.

With the help of Focus on Energy, the paper manufacturer is researching additional ways to save energy and improve its bottom line. It has completed a number of feasibility studies on air ventilation, tank agitators, compressed air, dryer improvements, heat recovery, vacuum and hydro improvements to determine which measures would deliver the best return on investment.

“Focus on Energy has been critical in helping us implement our energy efficiency projects,” Hasbargen said. “Not only with financial incentives, but also by introducing us to new technologies and figuring out how we can save the most energy in our specific industry and at our specific facilities.”

“Wausau Paper and focus on Energy have a long history of working together,” said Ken Williams, director for Focus on Energy’s business programs. “the company is committed to saving energy any way it can, as fast as it can. It is one of the outstanding leaders in the paper industry.”

In addition to launching new initiatives, Wausau Paper has moved toward energy savings, Williams said. “It has also retrofitted and replaced equipment throughout the business with energy-efficient counterparts. Examples include its thermal oxidizer, newly-designed splined refiner rotors, white-water filtration for reusing the water, and lighting upgrades. Already, the company has replaced existing lighting in one area with high-output fluorescent lights, resulting in light levels that exceed national standards."

“These projects help us reduce environmental emissions, offer better technology and are easier to operate,” Hasbargen said.

Wausau Paper is also taking advantage of a proper routine equipment maintenance incentives from Focus on Energy, as a way to improve operating efficiency, prolong equipment life, reduce costly “emergency” repairs and help manage energy costs.

“Our Focus on Energy adviser is on site on a regular basis,” Hasbargen said. “He’s most helpful in presenting grant requests and identifying resources for energy specific applications. That’s why we’re so successful.”

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. For more information about its programs, go to focusonenergy.com.