WAEE Expo: Energy efficiency reduces fuel costs
By Dr. Willis H. Thomas
JA Business Correspondent
Madison, WI: On October 22, the Wisconsin Association of Energy Engineers (WAEE) hosted the Wisconsin Energy Efficiency Expo at Monona Terrace. WAEE’s mission is “to promote the scientific & educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry … and to foster cooperative action and promote activities that advance sustainable development.” During the past 15 years, WAEE has awarded more than $170,000 in scholarships to students pursuing energy-related engineering, business and technical careers.
WAEE’s Expo assembled energy professionals, industry representatives, educators, and technology providers. WAEE’s conference showcased technical knowledge, industry experience, and education.
Among the ideas exchanged are conserving energy, reducing waste, and improving performance. A key message is that by using energy more efficiently, households, schools, churches, government agencies, community institutions, and businesses can effectively manage energy costs even as fuel prices rise.
Among the questions Expo attendees addressed are: Which proposed improvements are affordable? Who can help implement these proposed improvements? How do we evaluate the extent to which these improvements offset and/or kept pace with rising fuel costs?
Answers to these questions are urgently needed. Now hovering near $4.50 for a gallon of regular gasoline and $6.50 for a gallon of diesel, these quickly escalating fuel prices are still on an upward trajectory and squeezing already strained budgets. Furthermore, the costs associated with producing and delivering commodities from food to toys to local retailers’ store shelves are increasing.
On a positive yet cautionary note, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s October 2026 outlook projects lower average expenditures nationally for households heating primarily with natural gas or propane. However, it reports likely higher expenditures for those using electricity or heating oil.
WAEE’s Expo reinforced the importance of energy engineers in developing innovative solutions supporting environmental protection, reliable operations, and responsible resource use. It highlighted current approaches, and recommended widespread use of no-cost and low-cost strategies private and public sector building owners can take now, including:
1) turning off unnecessary lights;
2) weather stripping doors and windows; and
3) retaining technicians to ensure optimal performance of high energy-using devices such as HVAC systems and large appliances.
For additional information on the WAEE, please visit https://waee.wildapricot.org/
Publisher’s Note: Willis H. Thomas, Ph.D. is an award-winning author. For additional details about his books and to access an extensive collection of free information providing step-by-step project management and project evaluation guidance, please visit www.lessonslearned.info
