Post Author's Photographer By Kristin Eggen May 30, 2025

Starting this June 2025 homeowners and renters can request free installation of energy-saving measures when they sign up for Bill Savers, a new program for Winneshiek County residents offered by the Winneshiek Energy District.A Bill Savers appointment takes less than 30 minutes and includes the installation of energy saving equipment including LED light bulbs, hot water pipe insulation, low flow faucet aerators, and more. Appointments are available on the last Saturday of the moth from 9am to 1pm. Sign up or call 563-382-4207 ext. 1 to schedule an appointment.

“The idea grew out of a community member’s passion for energy affordability. When we looked at rising energy prices combined with the potential loss of funding for programs like the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), we knew we had to do something to keep energy bills affordable in our community.” says Winneshiek Energy District Executive Director Kristin Eggen. “Our mission includes increasing energy efficiency in Winneshiek County, so the idea was a perfect fit.”

The Bill Savers Home Install program is made possible by volunteers of all ages and abilities who spend a Saturday morning swapping light bulbs and saving their neighbors energy. To volunteer, email Rorie Weidow at rorie@energydistrict.org or call 563-382-4207 ext. 1.

“It is a practical way to make a difference in your community and meet new people. Nobody wants their heat shut off because they can’t pay their bills,” says Bill Savers champion & volunteer Joel Zook.

“Bill Savers won’t instantly solve unaffordable bills, but it will help people – especially our neighbors who are unable to perform these installs themselves – have more affordable bills and a comfortable home.” says Eggen.

The Bill Savers program is modeled after the Winneshiek Energy District’s longtime Green Iowa AmeriCorps First Step Home Efficiency program which employed a team of AmeriCorps volunteers to perform free energy audits across northeast Iowa and perform similar direct installation of energy-saving measures. From 2012-2023 the First Step Efficiency Program saved northeast Iowans an estimated $1.7 million in energy costs, and avoided over 14,000 tons of carbon emissions.

Donations can be made to support the Bill Savers program or checks mailed to Winneshiek Energy District, PO Box 14, Decorah, IA 52101.

The Winneshiek Energy District is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to lead, implement, and accelerate the locally owned, inclusive clean energy transition in Winneshiek County Iowa.


Kristin Eggen first came to the Winneshiek Energy District as a Green Iowa AmeriCorps member in 2015. Eight years later, she is thrilled to lead the grassroots clean energy movement in Winneshiek County. Kristin deeply appreciates rural communities, Northeast Iowa, community sustainability, and nonprofit management. She uses The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter methodology and graphic recording services to drive strategic conversations around community sustainability, justice, fundraising, and nonprofit health.

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