A study conducted by the Legislative Audit Bureau concluded that Focus on Energy, a program that provides incentives for residents and businesses to invest in renewable energy technology, gives back $3 to Wisconsinites for every dollar invested.
The audit was requested after Gov. Scott Walker's biennial budget cut $300 million from the system over the next three years.
The bureau compared the money saved from using renewable energy to costs of the program and its implementation. They concluded benefits outweigh the costs of the program three times for businesses and one and a half times for residences.
Focus on Energy, which is overseen by the state's Public Service Commission and was established in 2005, is funded primarily by energy utility providers.
Investor-owned utility providers are required to contribute 1.2 percent of their revenue to fund the program, which in 2010 provided more than $93 million.
The program provides incentives to businesses and residents to invest in renewable energy technology with the money.
Utility providers make up the revenue with natural gas and electric rates. In turn, on average, $1 of customers' monthly energy bill goes to fund the program, according to the bureau.
Keith Reopelle, senior policy director for Clean Wisconsin, advocated for the continued funding of the program.
"This audit clearly shows that increasing investments in Focus on Energy will lower energy bills, and help homeowners and businesses save money," Reopelle said in a statement.
Joint Audit Committee Co-chair Samantha Kerkman, R-Randall, said in a statement she hoped the audit would lead to "more transparency and a better public understanding of the program."
