.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... It’s your energy. We can help you understand how to use it more efficiently and reduce environmental impacts. With 160,000 MGE residential customers, there’s power in working together. public library partnership Contact us for information about: • Heating/Air-conditioning. • Insulating/Weatherizing. • Lighting. • Windows/Doors. • Appliances. • Water heating. Get more home energy information at: • mge.com/home. • Home Energy Line 608-252-7117. • 800-245-1125. Questions about billing? Call: • 608-252-7222. • 800-245-1125. printed on recycled paper your community energy company .... .... .... .... Y M C K .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... taking responsibility listening. learning. As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment. MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow's stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future. Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That's the power of working together. As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for: • • • • Answers to your energy questions. Energy efficiency information and advice. Help in evaluating energy-saving options. Assistance in finding energy-efficient products. GS1244 08/29/2006 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... Library resources for energy-smart decisions Tap the resources available at your local public library in partnership with MGE. MGE donations expand the pool of materials and tools to help you use energy efficiently, lower your utility bill and reduce your impact on the environment. Access MGE’s Web site energy tools and tips using library computers. Library resources: Give us your feedback! Help MGE continue to support your local public library. Tell us what energy information resources and tools are most useful to you. E-mail us at libraryservices@mge.com. For more details on MGE’s library partnership and a downloadable version of this brochure, please visit mge.com/about/ community/library. “There is not such a cradle of democracy on this earth as the Free Public Library…where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration” — Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) This booklet highlights materials and tools available through this partnership. See pages 10 and 11 for contact details and map for libraries serving MGE customers. For more information, please contact your local public library, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117 (1-800-245-1125). Table of contents Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Adult titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Children’s titles/resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sustainable resources special collection . . . . . . . . . 4 Check out a portable energy meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MGE energy efficiency brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MGE Web site tools and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your account/energy use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators . . . . . . . . 8 More energy tips and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Energy-smart kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Programs for classroom and community . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Public libraries serving MGE customers: Contact information and map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Library resources: Give us your feedback! . . . . . . . . 12 12 1 Madison (central and branches) c/o 201 W. Mifflin, (608) 266-6363, www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/ Mazomanie Free 102 Brodhead St., (608) 795-2104, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mazomanie/ McFarland/E .D. Locke 5114 Farwell St., (608) 838-4590, www.mcfarland.wi.us/library/default.asp Middleton 7425 Hubbard Ave., (608) 831-5564, www.midlibrary.org/library/default.asp Monona 1000 Nichols Road, (608) 222-6127, www.scls.lib.wi.us/monona/ Mt. Horeb 105 Perimeter St., (608) 437-5021, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mth/ Norwalk 101 Railroad St., (608) 823-7473, No Web site Oregon 256 Brook St., (608) 835-3656, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ore/ Poynette Area Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs 118 N. Main St., (608) 635-7577, www.scls.lib.wi.us/poy/ Prairie du Chien/Wachute Inform your energy decisions with books, videos, CDs and DVDs available at area libraries. MGE funds library collections of energy and environmental titles to give you more choices. 125 S. Wacouta Ave., (608) 326-6211, www.swls.org/member.pr.html Prairie du Sac 560 Park Ave., (608) 643-8318, www.scls.lib.wi.us/pds/ Readstown 129 W. Wisconsin Ave., (608) 629-5465, No Web site Need a library card? Know how to search for items electronically in your library system’s online catalog? Check with your local public library! See pages 10 and 11 for details. Sauk City 515 Water St., (608) 643-8346, www.scls.lib.wi.us/skc/index.html Soldiers Grove 102 Passive Sun Dr., Solar Town Center, (608) 624-5815, www.swls.org/member.so.html Sun Prairie 1350 Linnerud Dr., (608) 825-7323, www.scls.lib.wi.us/sunprairie/ Here is a sampling of titles purchased with MGE funds. Verona 500 Silent St., (608) 845-7180, www.ci.verona.wi.us/Library/index.html Viroqua/McIntosh Memorial Adult titles 118 E. Jefferson St., (608) 637-7151, www.viroqua-wisconsin.com/quality/library.asp Waunakee Energy for Rural Livelihoods: A Framework for Sustainable Decision-Making by Alison Doig, et al, 2005. Environmentalism and the Technologies of Tomorrow: Shaping the Next Industrial Revolution by R. Olson and D. Rajeski, 2005. Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth by the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine, 2005. 710 South St., (608) 849-4217, www.scls.lib.wi.us/wau/home.html Wilton 400 East St., (608) 435-6710, www.wrlsweb.org/wilton.htm Online catalogs South Central Library System: Visit www.linkcat.info and enter your Search criteria. Southwest Wisconsin Library System: Visit www.swls.org and click on your library on the map to get started. Winding Rivers Library System: Visit www.wrlsweb.org and click the WRLSWEB catalog button. 2 11 Library resources for energy-smart decisions Tap the resources available at your local public library in partnership with MGE. MGE donations expand the pool of materials and tools to help you use energy efficiently, lower your utility bill and reduce your impact on the environment. Access MGE’s Web site energy tools and tips using library computers. Library resources: Give us your feedback! Help MGE continue to support your local public library. Tell us what energy information resources and tools are most useful to you. E-mail us at libraryservices@mge.com. For more details on MGE’s library partnership and a downloadable version of this brochure, please visit mge.com/about/ community/library. “There is not such a cradle of democracy on this earth as the Free Public Library…where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration” — Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) This booklet highlights materials and tools available through this partnership. See pages 10 and 11 for contact details and map for libraries serving MGE customers. For more information, please contact your local public library, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117 (1-800-245-1125). Table of contents Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Adult titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Children’s titles/resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sustainable resources special collection . . . . . . . . . 4 Check out a portable energy meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MGE energy efficiency brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MGE Web site tools and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your account/energy use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators . . . . . . . . 8 More energy tips and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Energy-smart kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Programs for classroom and community . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Public libraries serving MGE customers: Contact information and map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Library resources: Give us your feedback! . . . . . . . . 12 12 1 Madison (central and branches) c/o 201 W. Mifflin, (608) 266-6363, www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/ Mazomanie Free 102 Brodhead St., (608) 795-2104, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mazomanie/ McFarland/E .D. Locke 5114 Farwell St., (608) 838-4590, www.mcfarland.wi.us/library/default.asp Middleton 7425 Hubbard Ave., (608) 831-5564, www.midlibrary.org/library/default.asp Monona 1000 Nichols Road, (608) 222-6127, www.scls.lib.wi.us/monona/ Mt. Horeb 105 Perimeter St., (608) 437-5021, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mth/ Norwalk 101 Railroad St., (608) 823-7473, No Web site Oregon 256 Brook St., (608) 835-3656, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ore/ Poynette Area Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs 118 N. Main St., (608) 635-7577, www.scls.lib.wi.us/poy/ Prairie du Chien/Wachute Inform your energy decisions with books, videos, CDs and DVDs available at area libraries. MGE funds library collections of energy and environmental titles to give you more choices. 125 S. Wacouta Ave., (608) 326-6211, www.swls.org/member.pr.html Prairie du Sac 560 Park Ave., (608) 643-8318, www.scls.lib.wi.us/pds/ Readstown 129 W. Wisconsin Ave., (608) 629-5465, No Web site Need a library card? Know how to search for items electronically in your library system’s online catalog? Check with your local public library! See pages 10 and 11 for details. Sauk City 515 Water St., (608) 643-8346, www.scls.lib.wi.us/skc/index.html Soldiers Grove 102 Passive Sun Dr., Solar Town Center, (608) 624-5815, www.swls.org/member.so.html Sun Prairie 1350 Linnerud Dr., (608) 825-7323, www.scls.lib.wi.us/sunprairie/ Here is a sampling of titles purchased with MGE funds. Verona 500 Silent St., (608) 845-7180, www.ci.verona.wi.us/Library/index.html Viroqua/McIntosh Memorial Adult titles 118 E. Jefferson St., (608) 637-7151, www.viroqua-wisconsin.com/quality/library.asp Waunakee Energy for Rural Livelihoods: A Framework for Sustainable Decision-Making by Alison Doig, et al, 2005. Environmentalism and the Technologies of Tomorrow: Shaping the Next Industrial Revolution by R. Olson and D. Rajeski, 2005. Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth by the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine, 2005. 710 South St., (608) 849-4217, www.scls.lib.wi.us/wau/home.html Wilton 400 East St., (608) 435-6710, www.wrlsweb.org/wilton.htm Online catalogs South Central Library System: Visit www.linkcat.info and enter your Search criteria. Southwest Wisconsin Library System: Visit www.swls.org and click on your library on the map to get started. Winding Rivers Library System: Visit www.wrlsweb.org and click the WRLSWEB catalog button. 2 11 Public libraries serving MGE customers New Ecological Home: A Complete Guide to Green Building Options by Daniel D. Chiras, 2004. Today’s Homeowner: Energy Efficiency by Film Ideas, 2004. DVD. Transportation; Food and Farming; Environments by Rob Bowden, 2004. Three books in the “Sustainable World” series. Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm and Business by Paul Gipe, Rev./Exp., 2004. Children’s titles/resources Ecological Literacy: Educating Our Children for a Sustainable World by M. Stone and Z. Barlow, 2005. Energy Projects for Young Scientists by Richard C. Adams and Robert Gardner. Rev., 2002. Ages 9-12. Barneveld 107 W. Orbison St., (608) 924-3711, www.swls.org/member.ba.html Global Warming by Peggy J. Parks, 2004. “Our Environment” series. Ages 11-17. Black Earth 1210 Mills St., (608) 767-2400, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ber/ Cross Plains/Rosemary Garfoot 2107 Julius St., (608) 798-3881, www.scls.lib.wi.us/csp/ Heat and Energy by Steve Parker, 2005. Ages 9-13. Dane County Bookmobile 201 W. Mifflin St. Madison, (608) 266-6388, www.dcls.info Renewable Energy by N. Saunders and S. Chapman, 2005. Ages 11-14. DeForest 203 Library St., (608) 846-5482, www.deforest.lib.wi.us/ Elroy 501 Second Main St., (608) 462-2407, www.elroywi.com/library.htm Gays Mills 205 Main St., (608) 735-4331, www.mwt.net/~gmbooks/ Turning Up the Heat: Energy by Ann Fullick, 2005. Ages 11-13. Wind Power by Christine Petersen, 2004. Ages 8-10. Kendall 110 E. South Railroad St., (608) 463-7103, No Web site Why Should I Save Energy? by Jen Green, 2005. Ages 4-8. Lodi Woman’s Club 130 Lodi St., (608) 592-4130, www.scls.lib.wi.us/lodi/index.html 10 3 Sustainable resources special collection Sustaining Our World Our Community Ourselves, 2006 This popular collection at Madison Public Library has been developed through a partnership between the library, MGE and Sustain Dane, and funded by MGE. Adult and children’s books, videos and DVDs cover such topics as: • Sustainable Households and Gardens • Sustainable Building • Alternative Energy and Technology • Sustainable Food and Agriculture • Take the MGE Energy Quiz. • Solve an energy crossword puzzle and learn cool facts and figures on energy and the environment. • Link to fun, interactive Internet sites for kids on energy and environmental topics. • Jump to mge.com/solarschools to view live data and compare Madison area high schools’ solar PV system efficiency. • Sustainable Communities Programs for classroom and community • Green Business and Economics Enhance learning through MGE-supported energy programs for libraries, schools and community groups. For more details, visit mge.com/about/community/library and mge.com/about/ community/schools. Get a copy of the 2006 bibliography from the library, Sustain Dane or MGE, or link to a PDF version at mge.com/about/ community/library.htm. 4 Cruise to mge.com/energysmart, MGE’s fun, educational Web pages for children. • Arrange for entertaining and educational energy presentations such as Wizard of Watt and MaGicEnergy • Borrow or download your choice of energy curriculum for immediate classroom use. 9 Public libraries serving MGE customers New Ecological Home: A Complete Guide to Green Building Options by Daniel D. Chiras, 2004. Today’s Homeowner: Energy Efficiency by Film Ideas, 2004. DVD. Transportation; Food and Farming; Environments by Rob Bowden, 2004. Three books in the “Sustainable World” series. Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm and Business by Paul Gipe, Rev./Exp., 2004. Children’s titles/resources Ecological Literacy: Educating Our Children for a Sustainable World by M. Stone and Z. Barlow, 2005. Energy Projects for Young Scientists by Richard C. Adams and Robert Gardner. Rev., 2002. Ages 9-12. Barneveld 107 W. Orbison St., (608) 924-3711, www.swls.org/member.ba.html Global Warming by Peggy J. Parks, 2004. “Our Environment” series. Ages 11-17. Black Earth 1210 Mills St., (608) 767-2400, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ber/ Cross Plains/Rosemary Garfoot 2107 Julius St., (608) 798-3881, www.scls.lib.wi.us/csp/ Heat and Energy by Steve Parker, 2005. Ages 9-13. Dane County Bookmobile 201 W. Mifflin St. Madison, (608) 266-6388, www.dcls.info Renewable Energy by N. Saunders and S. Chapman, 2005. Ages 11-14. DeForest 203 Library St., (608) 846-5482, www.deforest.lib.wi.us/ Elroy 501 Second Main St., (608) 462-2407, www.elroywi.com/library.htm Gays Mills 205 Main St., (608) 735-4331, www.mwt.net/~gmbooks/ Turning Up the Heat: Energy by Ann Fullick, 2005. Ages 11-13. Wind Power by Christine Petersen, 2004. Ages 8-10. Kendall 110 E. South Railroad St., (608) 463-7103, No Web site Why Should I Save Energy? by Jen Green, 2005. Ages 4-8. Lodi Woman’s Club 130 Lodi St., (608) 592-4130, www.scls.lib.wi.us/lodi/index.html 10 3 Sustainable resources special collection Sustaining Our World Our Community Ourselves, 2006 This popular collection at Madison Public Library has been developed through a partnership between the library, MGE and Sustain Dane, and funded by MGE. Adult and children’s books, videos and DVDs cover such topics as: • Sustainable Households and Gardens • Sustainable Building • Alternative Energy and Technology • Sustainable Food and Agriculture • Take the MGE Energy Quiz. • Solve an energy crossword puzzle and learn cool facts and figures on energy and the environment. • Link to fun, interactive Internet sites for kids on energy and environmental topics. • Jump to mge.com/solarschools to view live data and compare Madison area high schools’ solar PV system efficiency. • Sustainable Communities Programs for classroom and community • Green Business and Economics Enhance learning through MGE-supported energy programs for libraries, schools and community groups. For more details, visit mge.com/about/community/library and mge.com/about/ community/schools. Get a copy of the 2006 bibliography from the library, Sustain Dane or MGE, or link to a PDF version at mge.com/about/ community/library.htm. 4 Cruise to mge.com/energysmart, MGE’s fun, educational Web pages for children. • Arrange for entertaining and educational energy presentations such as Wizard of Watt and MaGicEnergy • Borrow or download your choice of energy curriculum for immediate classroom use. 9 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators Visit mge.com and click the Power Tomorrow link to find five basic energy-saving steps and easy-to-use calculators for: • Thermostat settings • Lighting • Laundry washed in cold water • Turning off the juice • Energy Star® savings Check out a portable energy meter Borrow a portable energy meter—just as you would a book— to gain appliance energy insights and to help make your equipment decisions. MGE has donated the popular meters to area libraries. Accurate and easy to use, these plug-in meters work on any standard 120-volt electric appliance. Instructions are included. Usual check-out period is two to three weeks but varies with the host library. As meters are often in use, you may want to reserve one ahead of time. Use it to: • Measure voltage, electricity cost and electric consumption. More energy tips and tools Continue on to mge.com/saveenergy for more tips and tools: • Find more low-cost/no-cost ways to save. • Conduct your own home energy audit. • Learn how to compare furnaces, water heaters or other home equipment. Click Appliances and Equipment in the left menu. • Find links to the latest information about state and federal incentives and tax credits for energy-saving improvements and purchases. • Find out the exact operating cost of various appliances, from refrigerators to lamps and computers. • Identify the potential causes of high energy use. • Predict your savings in reducing appliance use. • Calculate the payback for replacing older equipment. • Discover how much power some appliances draw even when switched “off” ( i.e., “phantom power”). 5 8 MGE energy efficiency brochures MGE Web site tools and tips Get acquainted with MGE’s energy-saving brochure library, developed by MGE staff with years of energy expertise and your information needs in mind. Explore the many useful energy-saving tools and tips on MGE’s Web site. Many libraries offer free computer training as well as free access to their public computer(s). Check with your local public library for details. Some public libraries maintain a supply of selected brochure titles. Or use your own or a public library computer to visit mge.com/brochures and download the materials you need. A sample of MGE brochures include: Your account/energy use Appliance Energy Costs: Operating costs for major household appliances Register for My Account at mge.com/viewuse and view your energy use as an MGE electric and/or natural gas customer: Caulk and Weather Strip: When, why, where to use them • See your current utility bill and account status. Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers • Calculate your energy use per heating degree day. Energy-Saving Tips for Renters: Tips for before and after you rent • Chart your electric and natural gas use from up to three years of history. Furnaces: Get the right heating system • Calculate your electric kilowatt-hour use per day. How to Insulate Your Attic • Compare your home heating rating with others (Madison area). Lighting: Bright new ideas New Home Planner Remodeling Guide: Energy-saving ideas for your home Water Heaters Windows: Attractive, energy-efficient choices for your home 20% Heating Ratings for All Homes % of 15% Homes With 10% This Rating 5% 0% 0 1 2 3 Excellent 4 5 6 7 Good Fair 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 16 Needs Improvement Rating 6 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators Visit mge.com and click the Power Tomorrow link to find five basic energy-saving steps and easy-to-use calculators for: • Thermostat settings • Lighting • Laundry washed in cold water • Turning off the juice • Energy Star® savings Check out a portable energy meter Borrow a portable energy meter—just as you would a book— to gain appliance energy insights and to help make your equipment decisions. MGE has donated the popular meters to area libraries. Accurate and easy to use, these plug-in meters work on any standard 120-volt electric appliance. Instructions are included. Usual check-out period is two to three weeks but varies with the host library. As meters are often in use, you may want to reserve one ahead of time. Use it to: • Measure voltage, electricity cost and electric consumption. More energy tips and tools Continue on to mge.com/saveenergy for more tips and tools: • Find more low-cost/no-cost ways to save. • Conduct your own home energy audit. • Learn how to compare furnaces, water heaters or other home equipment. Click Appliances and Equipment in the left menu. • Find links to the latest information about state and federal incentives and tax credits for energy-saving improvements and purchases. • Find out the exact operating cost of various appliances, from refrigerators to lamps and computers. • Identify the potential causes of high energy use. • Predict your savings in reducing appliance use. • Calculate the payback for replacing older equipment. • Discover how much power some appliances draw even when switched “off” ( i.e., “phantom power”). 5 8 MGE energy efficiency brochures MGE Web site tools and tips Get acquainted with MGE’s energy-saving brochure library, developed by MGE staff with years of energy expertise and your information needs in mind. Explore the many useful energy-saving tools and tips on MGE’s Web site. Many libraries offer free computer training as well as free access to their public computer(s). Check with your local public library for details. Some public libraries maintain a supply of selected brochure titles. Or use your own or a public library computer to visit mge.com/brochures and download the materials you need. A sample of MGE brochures include: Your account/energy use Appliance Energy Costs: Operating costs for major household appliances Register for My Account at mge.com/viewuse and view your energy use as an MGE electric and/or natural gas customer: Caulk and Weather Strip: When, why, where to use them • See your current utility bill and account status. Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers • Calculate your energy use per heating degree day. Energy-Saving Tips for Renters: Tips for before and after you rent • Chart your electric and natural gas use from up to three years of history. Furnaces: Get the right heating system • Calculate your electric kilowatt-hour use per day. How to Insulate Your Attic • Compare your home heating rating with others (Madison area). Lighting: Bright new ideas New Home Planner Remodeling Guide: Energy-saving ideas for your home Water Heaters Windows: Attractive, energy-efficient choices for your home 20% Heating Ratings for All Homes % of 15% Homes With 10% This Rating 5% 0% 0 1 2 3 Excellent 4 5 6 7 Good Fair 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 16 Needs Improvement Rating 6 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators Visit mge.com and click the Power Tomorrow link to find five basic energy-saving steps and easy-to-use calculators for: • Thermostat settings • Lighting • Laundry washed in cold water • Turning off the juice • Energy Star® savings Check out a portable energy meter Borrow a portable energy meter—just as you would a book— to gain appliance energy insights and to help make your equipment decisions. MGE has donated the popular meters to area libraries. Accurate and easy to use, these plug-in meters work on any standard 120-volt electric appliance. Instructions are included. Usual check-out period is two to three weeks but varies with the host library. As meters are often in use, you may want to reserve one ahead of time. Use it to: • Measure voltage, electricity cost and electric consumption. More energy tips and tools Continue on to mge.com/saveenergy for more tips and tools: • Find more low-cost/no-cost ways to save. • Conduct your own home energy audit. • Learn how to compare furnaces, water heaters or other home equipment. Click Appliances and Equipment in the left menu. • Find links to the latest information about state and federal incentives and tax credits for energy-saving improvements and purchases. • Find out the exact operating cost of various appliances, from refrigerators to lamps and computers. • Identify the potential causes of high energy use. • Predict your savings in reducing appliance use. • Calculate the payback for replacing older equipment. • Discover how much power some appliances draw even when switched “off” ( i.e., “phantom power”). 5 8 MGE energy efficiency brochures MGE Web site tools and tips Get acquainted with MGE’s energy-saving brochure library, developed by MGE staff with years of energy expertise and your information needs in mind. Explore the many useful energy-saving tools and tips on MGE’s Web site. Many libraries offer free computer training as well as free access to their public computer(s). Check with your local public library for details. Some public libraries maintain a supply of selected brochure titles. Or use your own or a public library computer to visit mge.com/brochures and download the materials you need. A sample of MGE brochures include: Your account/energy use Appliance Energy Costs: Operating costs for major household appliances Register for My Account at mge.com/viewuse and view your energy use as an MGE electric and/or natural gas customer: Caulk and Weather Strip: When, why, where to use them • See your current utility bill and account status. Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers • Calculate your energy use per heating degree day. Energy-Saving Tips for Renters: Tips for before and after you rent • Chart your electric and natural gas use from up to three years of history. Furnaces: Get the right heating system • Calculate your electric kilowatt-hour use per day. How to Insulate Your Attic • Compare your home heating rating with others (Madison area). Lighting: Bright new ideas New Home Planner Remodeling Guide: Energy-saving ideas for your home Water Heaters Windows: Attractive, energy-efficient choices for your home 20% Heating Ratings for All Homes % of 15% Homes With 10% This Rating 5% 0% 0 1 2 3 Excellent 4 5 6 7 Good Fair 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 16 Needs Improvement Rating 6 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators Visit mge.com and click the Power Tomorrow link to find five basic energy-saving steps and easy-to-use calculators for: • Thermostat settings • Lighting • Laundry washed in cold water • Turning off the juice • Energy Star® savings Check out a portable energy meter Borrow a portable energy meter—just as you would a book— to gain appliance energy insights and to help make your equipment decisions. MGE has donated the popular meters to area libraries. Accurate and easy to use, these plug-in meters work on any standard 120-volt electric appliance. Instructions are included. Usual check-out period is two to three weeks but varies with the host library. As meters are often in use, you may want to reserve one ahead of time. Use it to: • Measure voltage, electricity cost and electric consumption. More energy tips and tools Continue on to mge.com/saveenergy for more tips and tools: • Find more low-cost/no-cost ways to save. • Conduct your own home energy audit. • Learn how to compare furnaces, water heaters or other home equipment. Click Appliances and Equipment in the left menu. • Find links to the latest information about state and federal incentives and tax credits for energy-saving improvements and purchases. • Find out the exact operating cost of various appliances, from refrigerators to lamps and computers. • Identify the potential causes of high energy use. • Predict your savings in reducing appliance use. • Calculate the payback for replacing older equipment. • Discover how much power some appliances draw even when switched “off” ( i.e., “phantom power”). 5 8 MGE energy efficiency brochures MGE Web site tools and tips Get acquainted with MGE’s energy-saving brochure library, developed by MGE staff with years of energy expertise and your information needs in mind. Explore the many useful energy-saving tools and tips on MGE’s Web site. Many libraries offer free computer training as well as free access to their public computer(s). Check with your local public library for details. Some public libraries maintain a supply of selected brochure titles. Or use your own or a public library computer to visit mge.com/brochures and download the materials you need. A sample of MGE brochures include: Your account/energy use Appliance Energy Costs: Operating costs for major household appliances Register for My Account at mge.com/viewuse and view your energy use as an MGE electric and/or natural gas customer: Caulk and Weather Strip: When, why, where to use them • See your current utility bill and account status. Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers • Calculate your energy use per heating degree day. Energy-Saving Tips for Renters: Tips for before and after you rent • Chart your electric and natural gas use from up to three years of history. Furnaces: Get the right heating system • Calculate your electric kilowatt-hour use per day. How to Insulate Your Attic • Compare your home heating rating with others (Madison area). Lighting: Bright new ideas New Home Planner Remodeling Guide: Energy-saving ideas for your home Water Heaters Windows: Attractive, energy-efficient choices for your home 20% Heating Ratings for All Homes % of 15% Homes With 10% This Rating 5% 0% 0 1 2 3 Excellent 4 5 6 7 Good Fair 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 16 Needs Improvement Rating 6 7 Public libraries serving MGE customers New Ecological Home: A Complete Guide to Green Building Options by Daniel D. Chiras, 2004. Today’s Homeowner: Energy Efficiency by Film Ideas, 2004. DVD. Transportation; Food and Farming; Environments by Rob Bowden, 2004. Three books in the “Sustainable World” series. Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm and Business by Paul Gipe, Rev./Exp., 2004. Children’s titles/resources Ecological Literacy: Educating Our Children for a Sustainable World by M. Stone and Z. Barlow, 2005. Energy Projects for Young Scientists by Richard C. Adams and Robert Gardner. Rev., 2002. Ages 9-12. Barneveld 107 W. Orbison St., (608) 924-3711, www.swls.org/member.ba.html Global Warming by Peggy J. Parks, 2004. “Our Environment” series. Ages 11-17. Black Earth 1210 Mills St., (608) 767-2400, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ber/ Cross Plains/Rosemary Garfoot 2107 Julius St., (608) 798-3881, www.scls.lib.wi.us/csp/ Heat and Energy by Steve Parker, 2005. Ages 9-13. Dane County Bookmobile 201 W. Mifflin St. Madison, (608) 266-6388, www.dcls.info Renewable Energy by N. Saunders and S. Chapman, 2005. Ages 11-14. DeForest 203 Library St., (608) 846-5482, www.deforest.lib.wi.us/ Elroy 501 Second Main St., (608) 462-2407, www.elroywi.com/library.htm Gays Mills 205 Main St., (608) 735-4331, www.mwt.net/~gmbooks/ Turning Up the Heat: Energy by Ann Fullick, 2005. Ages 11-13. Wind Power by Christine Petersen, 2004. Ages 8-10. Kendall 110 E. South Railroad St., (608) 463-7103, No Web site Why Should I Save Energy? by Jen Green, 2005. Ages 4-8. Lodi Woman’s Club 130 Lodi St., (608) 592-4130, www.scls.lib.wi.us/lodi/index.html 10 3 Sustainable resources special collection Sustaining Our World Our Community Ourselves, 2006 This popular collection at Madison Public Library has been developed through a partnership between the library, MGE and Sustain Dane, and funded by MGE. Adult and children’s books, videos and DVDs cover such topics as: • Sustainable Households and Gardens • Sustainable Building • Alternative Energy and Technology • Sustainable Food and Agriculture • Take the MGE Energy Quiz. • Solve an energy crossword puzzle and learn cool facts and figures on energy and the environment. • Link to fun, interactive Internet sites for kids on energy and environmental topics. • Jump to mge.com/solarschools to view live data and compare Madison area high schools’ solar PV system efficiency. • Sustainable Communities Programs for classroom and community • Green Business and Economics Enhance learning through MGE-supported energy programs for libraries, schools and community groups. For more details, visit mge.com/about/community/library and mge.com/about/ community/schools. Get a copy of the 2006 bibliography from the library, Sustain Dane or MGE, or link to a PDF version at mge.com/about/ community/library.htm. 4 Cruise to mge.com/energysmart, MGE’s fun, educational Web pages for children. • Arrange for entertaining and educational energy presentations such as Wizard of Watt and MaGicEnergy • Borrow or download your choice of energy curriculum for immediate classroom use. 9 Public libraries serving MGE customers New Ecological Home: A Complete Guide to Green Building Options by Daniel D. Chiras, 2004. Today’s Homeowner: Energy Efficiency by Film Ideas, 2004. DVD. Transportation; Food and Farming; Environments by Rob Bowden, 2004. Three books in the “Sustainable World” series. Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm and Business by Paul Gipe, Rev./Exp., 2004. Children’s titles/resources Ecological Literacy: Educating Our Children for a Sustainable World by M. Stone and Z. Barlow, 2005. Energy Projects for Young Scientists by Richard C. Adams and Robert Gardner. Rev., 2002. Ages 9-12. Barneveld 107 W. Orbison St., (608) 924-3711, www.swls.org/member.ba.html Global Warming by Peggy J. Parks, 2004. “Our Environment” series. Ages 11-17. Black Earth 1210 Mills St., (608) 767-2400, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ber/ Cross Plains/Rosemary Garfoot 2107 Julius St., (608) 798-3881, www.scls.lib.wi.us/csp/ Heat and Energy by Steve Parker, 2005. Ages 9-13. Dane County Bookmobile 201 W. Mifflin St. Madison, (608) 266-6388, www.dcls.info Renewable Energy by N. Saunders and S. Chapman, 2005. Ages 11-14. DeForest 203 Library St., (608) 846-5482, www.deforest.lib.wi.us/ Elroy 501 Second Main St., (608) 462-2407, www.elroywi.com/library.htm Gays Mills 205 Main St., (608) 735-4331, www.mwt.net/~gmbooks/ Turning Up the Heat: Energy by Ann Fullick, 2005. Ages 11-13. Wind Power by Christine Petersen, 2004. Ages 8-10. Kendall 110 E. South Railroad St., (608) 463-7103, No Web site Why Should I Save Energy? by Jen Green, 2005. Ages 4-8. Lodi Woman’s Club 130 Lodi St., (608) 592-4130, www.scls.lib.wi.us/lodi/index.html 10 3 Sustainable resources special collection Sustaining Our World Our Community Ourselves, 2006 This popular collection at Madison Public Library has been developed through a partnership between the library, MGE and Sustain Dane, and funded by MGE. Adult and children’s books, videos and DVDs cover such topics as: • Sustainable Households and Gardens • Sustainable Building • Alternative Energy and Technology • Sustainable Food and Agriculture • Take the MGE Energy Quiz. • Solve an energy crossword puzzle and learn cool facts and figures on energy and the environment. • Link to fun, interactive Internet sites for kids on energy and environmental topics. • Jump to mge.com/solarschools to view live data and compare Madison area high schools’ solar PV system efficiency. • Sustainable Communities Programs for classroom and community • Green Business and Economics Enhance learning through MGE-supported energy programs for libraries, schools and community groups. For more details, visit mge.com/about/community/library and mge.com/about/ community/schools. Get a copy of the 2006 bibliography from the library, Sustain Dane or MGE, or link to a PDF version at mge.com/about/ community/library.htm. 4 Cruise to mge.com/energysmart, MGE’s fun, educational Web pages for children. • Arrange for entertaining and educational energy presentations such as Wizard of Watt and MaGicEnergy • Borrow or download your choice of energy curriculum for immediate classroom use. 9 Library resources for energy-smart decisions Tap the resources available at your local public library in partnership with MGE. MGE donations expand the pool of materials and tools to help you use energy efficiently, lower your utility bill and reduce your impact on the environment. Access MGE’s Web site energy tools and tips using library computers. Library resources: Give us your feedback! Help MGE continue to support your local public library. Tell us what energy information resources and tools are most useful to you. E-mail us at libraryservices@mge.com. For more details on MGE’s library partnership and a downloadable version of this brochure, please visit mge.com/about/ community/library. “There is not such a cradle of democracy on this earth as the Free Public Library…where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration” — Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) This booklet highlights materials and tools available through this partnership. See pages 10 and 11 for contact details and map for libraries serving MGE customers. For more information, please contact your local public library, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117 (1-800-245-1125). Table of contents Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Adult titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Children’s titles/resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sustainable resources special collection . . . . . . . . . 4 Check out a portable energy meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MGE energy efficiency brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MGE Web site tools and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your account/energy use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators . . . . . . . . 8 More energy tips and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Energy-smart kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Programs for classroom and community . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Public libraries serving MGE customers: Contact information and map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Library resources: Give us your feedback! . . . . . . . . 12 12 1 Madison (central and branches) c/o 201 W. Mifflin, (608) 266-6363, www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/ Mazomanie Free 102 Brodhead St., (608) 795-2104, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mazomanie/ McFarland/E .D. Locke 5114 Farwell St., (608) 838-4590, www.mcfarland.wi.us/library/default.asp Middleton 7425 Hubbard Ave., (608) 831-5564, www.midlibrary.org/library/default.asp Monona 1000 Nichols Road, (608) 222-6127, www.scls.lib.wi.us/monona/ Mt. Horeb 105 Perimeter St., (608) 437-5021, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mth/ Norwalk 101 Railroad St., (608) 823-7473, No Web site Oregon 256 Brook St., (608) 835-3656, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ore/ Poynette Area Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs 118 N. Main St., (608) 635-7577, www.scls.lib.wi.us/poy/ Prairie du Chien/Wachute Inform your energy decisions with books, videos, CDs and DVDs available at area libraries. MGE funds library collections of energy and environmental titles to give you more choices. 125 S. Wacouta Ave., (608) 326-6211, www.swls.org/member.pr.html Prairie du Sac 560 Park Ave., (608) 643-8318, www.scls.lib.wi.us/pds/ Readstown 129 W. Wisconsin Ave., (608) 629-5465, No Web site Need a library card? Know how to search for items electronically in your library system’s online catalog? Check with your local public library! See pages 10 and 11 for details. Sauk City 515 Water St., (608) 643-8346, www.scls.lib.wi.us/skc/index.html Soldiers Grove 102 Passive Sun Dr., Solar Town Center, (608) 624-5815, www.swls.org/member.so.html Sun Prairie 1350 Linnerud Dr., (608) 825-7323, www.scls.lib.wi.us/sunprairie/ Here is a sampling of titles purchased with MGE funds. Verona 500 Silent St., (608) 845-7180, www.ci.verona.wi.us/Library/index.html Viroqua/McIntosh Memorial Adult titles 118 E. Jefferson St., (608) 637-7151, www.viroqua-wisconsin.com/quality/library.asp Waunakee Energy for Rural Livelihoods: A Framework for Sustainable Decision-Making by Alison Doig, et al, 2005. Environmentalism and the Technologies of Tomorrow: Shaping the Next Industrial Revolution by R. Olson and D. Rajeski, 2005. Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth by the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine, 2005. 710 South St., (608) 849-4217, www.scls.lib.wi.us/wau/home.html Wilton 400 East St., (608) 435-6710, www.wrlsweb.org/wilton.htm Online catalogs South Central Library System: Visit www.linkcat.info and enter your Search criteria. Southwest Wisconsin Library System: Visit www.swls.org and click on your library on the map to get started. Winding Rivers Library System: Visit www.wrlsweb.org and click the WRLSWEB catalog button. 2 11 Library resources for energy-smart decisions Tap the resources available at your local public library in partnership with MGE. MGE donations expand the pool of materials and tools to help you use energy efficiently, lower your utility bill and reduce your impact on the environment. Access MGE’s Web site energy tools and tips using library computers. Library resources: Give us your feedback! Help MGE continue to support your local public library. Tell us what energy information resources and tools are most useful to you. E-mail us at libraryservices@mge.com. For more details on MGE’s library partnership and a downloadable version of this brochure, please visit mge.com/about/ community/library. “There is not such a cradle of democracy on this earth as the Free Public Library…where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration” — Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) This booklet highlights materials and tools available through this partnership. See pages 10 and 11 for contact details and map for libraries serving MGE customers. For more information, please contact your local public library, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117 (1-800-245-1125). Table of contents Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Adult titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Children’s titles/resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sustainable resources special collection . . . . . . . . . 4 Check out a portable energy meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MGE energy efficiency brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MGE Web site tools and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your account/energy use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Basic energy-saving steps and calculators . . . . . . . . 8 More energy tips and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Energy-smart kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Programs for classroom and community . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Public libraries serving MGE customers: Contact information and map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Library resources: Give us your feedback! . . . . . . . . 12 12 1 Madison (central and branches) c/o 201 W. Mifflin, (608) 266-6363, www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/ Mazomanie Free 102 Brodhead St., (608) 795-2104, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mazomanie/ McFarland/E .D. Locke 5114 Farwell St., (608) 838-4590, www.mcfarland.wi.us/library/default.asp Middleton 7425 Hubbard Ave., (608) 831-5564, www.midlibrary.org/library/default.asp Monona 1000 Nichols Road, (608) 222-6127, www.scls.lib.wi.us/monona/ Mt. Horeb 105 Perimeter St., (608) 437-5021, www.scls.lib.wi.us/mth/ Norwalk 101 Railroad St., (608) 823-7473, No Web site Oregon 256 Brook St., (608) 835-3656, www.scls.lib.wi.us/ore/ Poynette Area Circulating books, videos, CDs, DVDs 118 N. Main St., (608) 635-7577, www.scls.lib.wi.us/poy/ Prairie du Chien/Wachute Inform your energy decisions with books, videos, CDs and DVDs available at area libraries. MGE funds library collections of energy and environmental titles to give you more choices. 125 S. Wacouta Ave., (608) 326-6211, www.swls.org/member.pr.html Prairie du Sac 560 Park Ave., (608) 643-8318, www.scls.lib.wi.us/pds/ Readstown 129 W. Wisconsin Ave., (608) 629-5465, No Web site Need a library card? Know how to search for items electronically in your library system’s online catalog? Check with your local public library! See pages 10 and 11 for details. Sauk City 515 Water St., (608) 643-8346, www.scls.lib.wi.us/skc/index.html Soldiers Grove 102 Passive Sun Dr., Solar Town Center, (608) 624-5815, www.swls.org/member.so.html Sun Prairie 1350 Linnerud Dr., (608) 825-7323, www.scls.lib.wi.us/sunprairie/ Here is a sampling of titles purchased with MGE funds. Verona 500 Silent St., (608) 845-7180, www.ci.verona.wi.us/Library/index.html Viroqua/McIntosh Memorial Adult titles 118 E. Jefferson St., (608) 637-7151, www.viroqua-wisconsin.com/quality/library.asp Waunakee Energy for Rural Livelihoods: A Framework for Sustainable Decision-Making by Alison Doig, et al, 2005. Environmentalism and the Technologies of Tomorrow: Shaping the Next Industrial Revolution by R. Olson and D. Rajeski, 2005. Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth by the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine, 2005. 710 South St., (608) 849-4217, www.scls.lib.wi.us/wau/home.html Wilton 400 East St., (608) 435-6710, www.wrlsweb.org/wilton.htm Online catalogs South Central Library System: Visit www.linkcat.info and enter your Search criteria. Southwest Wisconsin Library System: Visit www.swls.org and click on your library on the map to get started. Winding Rivers Library System: Visit www.wrlsweb.org and click the WRLSWEB catalog button. 2 11 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... taking responsibility listening. learning. As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment. MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow's stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future. Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That's the power of working together. As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for: • • • • Answers to your energy questions. Energy efficiency information and advice. Help in evaluating energy-saving options. Assistance in finding energy-efficient products. GS1244 08/29/2006 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... It’s your energy. We can help you understand how to use it more efficiently and reduce environmental impacts. With 160,000 MGE residential customers, there’s power in working together. public library partnership Contact us for information about: • Heating/Air-conditioning. • Insulating/Weatherizing. • Lighting. • Windows/Doors. • Appliances. • Water heating. Get more home energy information at: • mge.com/home. • Home Energy Line 608-252-7117. • 800-245-1125. Questions about billing? Call: • 608-252-7222. • 800-245-1125. printed on recycled paper your community energy company .... .... .... .... Y M C K .... .... .... ....