New Research Reveals Opportunity for Energy Planning Today to Prevent Energy Cost Increases and Disproportionate Cost Burdens

The study is published in the latest edition of the journal Nature: Scientific Reports. Read the online version of this press release here.

BOSTON – July 29, 2025 – A new study published Sunday in Scientific Reports, a Nature Portfolio journal, analyzes the relationship between increasing building electrification and the energy burden for the remaining gas utility customers over time. Whether building electrification is market-driven or policy-driven, this analysis is intended to support energy regulators and planners in proactively considering and avoiding the worst-case scenarios. The study, “Effects of uncoordinated electrification on energy burdens for natural gas customers,” introduces a novel framework to quantify these affordability risks, with relevance for policymakers and communities nationwide. The paper was authored by Jaime Garibay-Rodriguez, Morgan R. Edwards, and Ann F. Fink from the University of Wisconsin, and Zeyneb Magavi of HEET, a thermal energy innovation institute.

The research highlights that who chooses electrification (and when) significantly impacts the bills of those who remain in the gas system. The affordability impacts are starkly different for (1) an approach with the wealthiest electrifying first, (2) an approach with the lowest-income electrifying first, or (3) an approach that is random. Ongoing investment in natural gas infrastructure through pipeline replacement amplifies this challenge and, coupled with an uncoordinated approach to electrification, significantly increases the financial burden on the progressively fewer remaining gas customers. This analysis demonstrates that state energy regulators have a window of opportunity to mitigate these impacts through policy and proactive planning and that whether building electrification is market-driven or policy-driven, the presence of an existing gas utility indicates a need for policy interventions to ensure a managed or coordinated transition.

Key Findings from the Study:

• Potential for Rising Energy Burdens: Analyzing existing Massachusetts data and policies without further proposed policy interventions, if higher-income households electrify first, the number of energy-burdened households currently in the gas system (spending at least 6% of income on energy) could increase from 411,000 currently to peak at 540,000 households by 2040 due to rising gas system infrastructure costs per customer.
• Potential for Significant Bill Increases: With approximately 45% of households electrified, those with gas utility service that do not electrify could face a similar average increase in energy bills over the next 15 years due to rising gas infrastructure costs per customer, relative to current costs. This figure can escalate to 60% in Massachusetts and 36-105% nationally (for the top 50 utilities with leak-prone infrastructure) when gas system infrastructure investments such as pipeline replacement programs occur simultaneously with increasing building electrification.
• Disproportionate Risk for Vulnerable Communities: The study found that leak-prone natural gas infrastructure and planned pipeline replacements are currently disproportionately located in Massachusetts communities with a higher representation of low-income households and renters. These groups can therefore be seen as at greater risk of being locked into costly natural gas systems and facing increased energy burdens. Alternately, this geographic distribution could also potentially present a greater opportunity for addressing affordability risk through strategic redirection of infrastructure investment.
• National Implications: Across the U.S., for the 37 million households served by the top 50 gas utilities with leak-prone pipelines, the number of energy-burdened households could rise from 7.7 million today to 8.8 million under the combined policy of uncoordinated electrification and pipeline replacement.

“Our findings highlight the importance of coordinating the transition to building electrification, particularly during the period when existing energy systems, such as natural gas, will continue to operate alongside new electric systems like heat pumps,” said Garibay-Rodriguez, lead study author and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin’s Climate Action Lab. “Policymakers face a difficult challenge because much of the aging and failing infrastructure, such as gas distribution pipelines, has exceeded its useful life, requiring major investments to keep it operating safely and efficiently. This challenge is particularly relevant given the ongoing energy affordability issues facing energy-burdened households.” 

“Massachusetts offers a compelling case study,” notes Edwards, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin and leader of the Climate Action Lab. “It has a long track record of leadership in energy policy and a wealth of policy-relevant data available to support studies like this. HEET has been an invaluable research partner in this work and a leader in compiling and publishing open data that makes studies like this one possible.”

“Our country has a long tradition of successful energy transitions. No one in my town still thinks we should be using whale oil or coal in our homes. That said, whale oil was not a regulated utility so this paper highlights a pretty novel question. What happens when an energy transition drives customers off of existing utility infrastructure? Can we maintain affordability for customers on both sides of this kind of transition?” said Magavi, the Executive Director of HEET. “The University of Wisconsin team has produced a useful framework to help us think that out ahead of time.”

The paper emphasizes that prioritizing early electrification for lower income households is helpful in mitigating immediate burdens, but does not fully address the long-term risks of a utility death spiral that could render the gas system financially unsustainable. The utility death spiral is a cycle in which declining gas demand leads to higher rates for remaining customers, driving more customers to leave the gas system. The findings suggest that an effective heating energy transition will require coordinated, neighborhood-scale strategies that proactively manage the high fixed costs of legacy infrastructure. This could involve prioritized electrification in areas with aging gas infrastructure and innovative policy solutions that address the interdependencies between gas and electricity systems.

The full paper can be found at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-09543-5 

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About the University of Wisconsin
The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a leading academic institution in improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy and the practice of governance. The school began as the Center for the Study of Public Policy and Administration at UW–Madison in 1967 as part of the Department of Political Science. In 1983, the Wisconsin Legislature formally separated the center from the Department of Political Science. The school officially opened in 1984, now named after Robert M. La Follette, the former Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator who is regarded as one of the most celebrated figures in the state’s history. Today, the La Follette School offers domestic and international master’s degrees in public affairs as well as certificates for undergraduate students. La Follette School faculty, alumni, students, and staff extend the practice of the Wisconsin Idea across the state and around the world through research and outreach that inspires evidence-based policymaking, impacts society’s pressing problems, and advances the public good.

About HEET
HEET is a nonprofit focused on thermal energy innovation institute driven systems change. Founded in 2008, HEET works to find practical solutions to the complex problems humanity faces – beginning with our own homes. How we keep our homes comfortable in an affordable, safe, and sustainable way matters. In 2017 HEET proposed the first gas utility thermal energy network, which today has launched a growing new global industry. We believe in an affordable, safe, and ethical energy system that meets the needs of all, from low-income communities to gas utility workers to future generations. For more information, visit https://www.heet.org/.

Oak Bank Celebrates 25 Years of Growing Dane County

A Quarter-Century of Local Commitment, Trusted Relationships, and Community Impact

Madison, WI — In a financial world defined by automation and consolidation, Oak Bank in Fitchburg is proudly celebrating 25 years of doing business differently—by staying personal, local, and deeply connected to the Dane County community.

Since opening in 2000, Oak Bank has chosen to grow not by adding branches, but by building relationships. With a single location in Fitchburg, the bank has become a trusted financial partner for hundreds of local businesses and families—proving that success doesn’t require scale, but sincerity.

“It’s really not about the number of branches,” says executive chairman and founder Bob Gorsuch. “It’s about the people who stick around, develop strong relationships, and get involved in their communities.”

That belief has guided Oak Bank’s approach for 25 years. While many banks expanded regionally or merged into larger corporations, Oak Bank stayed rooted in Dane County. The result: a half-a-billion-dollar institution built on trust, accessibility, and personalized service.

“When you call us, you talk to a real person—someone who knows your name and your business,” says Oak Bank President & CEO Terry Taylor. “That’s not a tagline—it’s our culture. Oak Bank is powered by people who live here, care about this community, and show up for it every day. That’s what makes us different, and it’s what makes this 25-year milestone so meaningful.”

Oak Bank’s mission goes well beyond banking. Its team members are actively involved in local nonprofits, schools, libraries, and neighborhood initiatives. From sponsoring park programs to volunteering in community events, Oak Bank doesn’t just serve the area—it strengthens it.

“When we started, we saw so much potential in Fitchburg,” Gorsuch reflects. “We wanted to serve that area with a unique focus on relationships and problem-solving. And once we proved that model, we were able to serve clients throughout Dane County and beyond, with just one branch.”

Today, Oak Bank is a proud cornerstone of Dane County’s business community—a steady partner through change, a supporter of local growth, and a reflection of what’s possible when you put people first.

Stop by their lobby on August 14th for a sweet treat to celebrate their milestone and see for yourself.

About Oak Bank
Founded in 2000 and located in Fitchburg, Oak Bank is a full-service community bank serving individuals and businesses throughout Dane County. With a people-first philosophy and a commitment to personalized, relationship-based banking, Oak Bank has built a legacy of trust, integrity, and impact over 25 years. Visit www.oak.bank to learn more.

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MMSD Awarded State Grants to Support Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming and Student Mental Health

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has been awarded a two-year grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to expand MMSD’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention programming. The grant provides $50,000 for the 2025–26 school year, with an additional $50,000 renewal approved for 2026–27.

The funding, part of DPI’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) program, will be used to hire a limited-term employee (LTE) to deliver targeted prevention and intervention services across MMSD schools. The grant also supports the implementation of education and wellness programming that helps students build healthy decision-making skills, while addressing underlying risk factors.

“AODA prevention education helps students understand not just the risks, but how to make informed, healthy decisions,” said Leia Esser, MMSD’s executive director of student and staff supports. “This grant enables us to reach more students, earlier, with support that’s rooted in care, not punishment.”

The DPI AODA program is designed to help school districts address substance use through education, early intervention and family engagement. MMSD’s approach emphasizes equity, trauma-informed practices and collaboration among educators, students and families.

“This work is about prevention, connection and support,” Esser added. “By embedding these lessons into the school day and providing dedicated staff, we’re giving students the tools they need to navigate real-life challenges, not only now but in the future as well.”

MMSD was also awarded an additional $9,500 through DPI’s School-Based Mental Health Professionals grant, which it has used since 2021 to support its recruitment and professional development efforts for school counselors, social workers and psychologists. With a total of $114,500 awarded—including this final $9,500 that closes out the current funding cycle—this grant allows MMSD to maintain its commitment to onboarding, developing and sustaining a representative and equity-centered team of support providers. 

To learn more about MMSD’s approach to mental health and well-being, please visit the district’s website. 

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District: The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

It’s a Wrap! Read(y) to Wear 2025 A Major Fundraising Success

Madison Reading Project’s recent Read(y) to Wear fundraiser, which supports local literacy, was the most successful one yet!

More than 420 attendees joined Madison Reading Project June 11 in celebrating an evening of Legends and Fairytales featuring 13 one-of-a-kind wearable paper fashions. Eleven design teams competed for the crown. And the winners are…

The top prize went to Phenomenal Woman, designed by Suzanne Sawyer. Her outfit was a collaboration between clothing brand Ashro and UMOJA Magazine of Madison.

Enchanted Forest, created by returning designer Laura Musecamp, came in second place, followed by ⁠Paper Dolls, designed by returning designer Pam Kilian.

“What an incredible evening,” exclaimed Stephanie Grenzer, community giving manager, Summit Credit Union. “From the moment you walked in, the energy was high, the venue was beautiful, the attendees were excited, and the designers and models did a phenomenal job. It was so great to see the community come together and support Madison Reading Project.”

Summit Credit Union was this year’s marquee sponsor, joining dozens of other local organizations supporting the annual event.

“We’ll soon announce the date for next year’s Read(y) to Wear, the state’s most memorable, one-of-a-kind fundraising event,” says Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project founder/co-executive director. “The event continues to grow and bring in creatives from across the area to take the design challenge, and most importantly, funds raised will allow us to continue to provide another 130,000 free, high-quality books to kids and educators in the Dane County area in the coming year.”

Photos, below, by Crimson Sun Photography.

Dupaco’s 21-day Sprint to Savings Challenge wraps-up with big wins and bigger habits

Dubuque, Iowa — Over the course of 21 days, participants in Dupaco Credit Union’s Sprint-to-Savings challenge took meaningful steps toward improving their financial well-being. The challenge, which ran from June 2 to June 22, encouraged individuals to build stronger savings habits through small, consistent actions—and the results speak for themselves!   

Sprinters engaged in a variety of hands-on activities, including creating budgets, tracking spending, identifying and plugging leaks and taking part in “No-Spend Saturdays”. These simple, yet powerful strategies helped participants move closer to the financial goals that matter most to them. 

The randomly selected winners of the challenge’s weekly and grand-prize drawings are:

• Week 1-$50 Winner: Kellie Cook
• Week 2-$50 Winner: Jessica Ambrosy
• Week 3-$50 Winner: Mika McCool
• Grand Prize-$500 Winner: Lisa Klees

Participants set a wide range of savings goals—from vacations and emergency funds to paying off debt, college expenses, weddings, new vehicles and even a headstone. Along the way, they discovered meaningful ways to cut costs and rethink spending.

When asked what change made the biggest impact, many cited meal planning and sticking to a grocery list as key strategies. Others became more mindful of impulse purchases, using tactics like leaving items in online shopping carts for a few days before deciding to buy. One participant shared that by reviewing their subscriptions, they’ll save $720 over the rest of the year!

A fan favorite was thoughtful participation in the No-Spend Saturday challenge, which many participants found both fun and transformative. One sprinter said, “I really enjoyed implementing a No-Spend Saturday. Weekends are usually when we tend to spend the most, so turning it into a fun family challenge to avoid spending was both rewarding and effective!” 

Another sprinter who implemented No-Spend Saturday commented, “Weekends are when I do most of my shopping. I followed it (No-Spend Saturday)! I made a picnic as my way of getting out of the house, cleaned the house that night instead of going out. Cooked a nice home-cooked meal out of what I had in the cupboard instead of doing my weekly out-to-eat day! It definitely changed the pace of my normal schedule.”

“Over the last three weeks, sprinters showed up, took action and made meaningful progress towards their savings goal,” said Tara McDermott, Senior Marketing Communication Specialist at Dupaco. “Our sprinters should celebrate their success. Building your savings takes dedication. We all need those reminders that building your savings is a marathon, not a sprint. The participants of this challenge are off to a strong start to keep their savings momentum going.”

For more information about the challenge, visit dupaco.com/sprint-to-savings-challenge.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 174,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.