In February Lincoln Electric Systems launched a Sustainable Energy Program targeted to make Lincoln's homes and businesses more energy efficient. The response, according to LES, was overwhelming.

LES received almost twice the number of applications expected, and after just four months the $1.1 million put towards program have been reserved, according to LES vice president of Consumer Services Todd Hall.

"The sustainable energy program will net an energy reduction for LES of about 7 million kilowatt hours a year," Hall said. "That is comparable to a reduction of nearly 600 homes in reducing energy supply across our community and the equivalent to nearly 7,000 tons of carbon reduction, a great success."

Nearly 5,000 homes in the LES Service Area have undertaken energy conservation measures and received an incentive payment.

"What this program has demonstrated to us is a strong desire on the part of our customers to become wise consumers of energy, and collectively they've helped us achieve the programs goals. Moreover, because we have been able to allocate all the funds within four months of the programs introduction, LES and its customers will realize energy savings heading into summer, the time of year when customers demand the most electricity," Hall said.

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler also had some encouraging words when it comes to making Lincoln more energy efficient.

"In the coming weeks, I will be announcing the investment of $2.4million in federal stimulus grants to boost Lincolns energy efficiency, save taxpayer dollars and create good jobs," Beutler said. "Building on the success of LES Sustainable Energy Program, and helping even more Lincoln rate payers to realize the benefits of energy efficiency, is clearly part of that agenda."

With the great success of the program, LES is looking into having a similar program in 2010.

Currently, LES has no plans for a rate hike for the rest of 2009.