By Joel Zook The Polar Vortex of 2021 was an anomaly compared to normal years. The polar vortex is far above the polar jet stream in the stratosphere and typically doesn’t interact with it. When the polar vortex is strong and stable, the polar jet stream below it stays farther north and keeps cold air contained over the Arctic. Every few years the polar vortex dramatically weakens, and can even be pushed off
Author Archives: Andy
Written by Max Walker The Winneshiek Energy District held an energy lunch for a presentation on the SOO Green High Voltage Direct Current Link, or SOO Green Line. The SOO Green Line is an electrical transmission line that will travel from Mason City, Iowa to Plano, Illinois. This transmission line will connect two of the primary renewable energy markets of the Midwest. The broad goal of the project is to
By Jim Fritz I was a sophomore in high school for the first Earth Day. We had a whole day devoted to it with speakers, activities, etc. Our biology teacher (I nearly became a biology teacher because of him) was the spearhead. It changed me. Later my dad and I made a passive solar hot air collector from beer cans spray painted black. It worked pretty well! I designed an
Martin Donovan, Green Iowa Americorps When you’re cooking up ways to increase the efficiency of your home, upgrading your stove to an induction cooktop could be a fun and useful thing to consider. Unlike electric or gas cooktops, induction burners directly heat pots and pans. But what does direct heat actually mean? When cooking with electric stoves, a lot of energy is used to heat metal coils which then heats
Register now for Howard County Energy District’s virtual energy tour, taking place Thursday April 1st (no fooling!), 7:00 to 8:15pm. “Join us to hear four great, local stories” said HCED board chair Amy Bouska. “Learn how solar helps save money (Hvitved residence), renewable geothermal energy creates jobs (Geothermal Eco Options), improved energy efficiency helps local businesses (Leutholds), and why the local Extension office just entered into a “solar power purchase agreement”
Winneshiek Energy District and Executive Director Andy Johnson have received the 2021 Inspiring Efficiency Leadership Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance! “This is a tremendous honor for the entire Energy District movement, and absolutely a group leadership award”, said Johnson. “Energy Districts are all about local leadership for a just, prosperous, and locally-owned clean energy future. Leaders build organizations, put boots on the ground, and keep wealth in pocketbooks and communities.
Andy Johnson, Executive Director Iowa’s solar tax credit has been critical to the growth of locally-owned solar in Winneshiek County and throughout Iowa. Thanks to oversubscription and linkage with a phasing out federal credit, its future is in jeopardy. House File 221 would pay down the wait list, raise the annual cap, and decouple from the federal credit, and needs your support! This Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association page is an excellent resource
Action Alert: Save Iowa’s Solar Tax Credit; then Stop Natural Gas Protectionism Andy Johnson, Executive Director Iowa’s solar tax credit has been critical to the growth of locally-owned solar in Winneshiek County and throughout Iowa. Thanks to oversubscription and linkage with a phasing out federal credit, its future is in jeopardy. House File 221 would pay down the wait list, raise the annual cap, and decouple from the federal credit, and
Iowa Farmer And Banker Agree On Solar Tax Credits; Cedar Rapids Gazette Op-ed Written by Andy Johnson, Executive Director and Larry Grimstad, Board Member What do this farmer and banker have in common, besides a love for our rural Iowa community and county? Locally owned solar power. It brings jobs, wealth, light and a healthier home place everywhere it goes. Solar is happening right here in our home county of
Andy Johnson, Executive Director In March, the Iowa Legislature passed SF 583, meant to codify net metering and support customer-owned solar in Iowa for years to come. In July, Alliant and MidAmerican submitted tariffs to the Iowa Utilities Board that did not conform to the letter and spirit of the law. WED and others objected, the Board has now docketed the tariffs and we are submitting extensive testimony on key