Andy Johnson, Executive Director A coalition of entities called the “Decorah Area Group” (including your Energy District) is collaborating to oppose the dramatic increase in electric rates proposed by Alliant Energy earlier this year. This article will summarize the extensive set of testimony submitted recently to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), provide links for you to dig as deeply as you desire, and explain where the process goes from here.
Author Archives: Kristin Eggen
Luke Forsberg, Green Iowa AmeriCorps Summer Member [View or download the PDF Climate Change Education in Schools Research-2019] “All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth” -Aristotle “Climate change should be taught from a young age so there’s no excuse for kids to grow up ignorant of what’s at stake” -Connecticut State Representative Christine
Are you a Decorah Chamber member looking to save money and go green? The Winneshiek Energy District and Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to become an Energy Savvy Business with this four-week course. Attend all four classes or select the ones that are most relevant to you! Don’t own your building? Not a problem – bring your landlord along free of charge. Learn more and register Solar for
On August 6th we celebrated the Green Iowa AmeriCorps program’s 10th Anniversary with our 9th team: Luke Forsberg (summer member), Maddy Knutson, Katherine Hannigan, and Briana Burke, (not pictured: Gracie Engle and Ally Peters). The lunch hour celebration consisted of speakers, honoring this year’s teams from eight sites across Iowa. Katherine gave a dynamite presentation highlighting this our 2018-2019 team’s work in northeast Iowa. There were cupcakes, GIA alumni, and
Kristin Eggen, Communications and Outreach When it comes to energy-efficiency, lighting is low-hanging fruit that offers the biggest payback. That’s why energy districts across northeast Iowa have organized quick-and-easy Bulb Swaps for your to quickly exchange up to four incandescent lightbulbs for high-efficiency LED bulbs. Winneshiek County July 31 and August 7 Winneshiek Farmers Market – 3 pm to 6 pm August 14 Decorah Community Food Pantry – 1:30 pm to
Joel Zook, Energy Planner Farms are eligible for cost-share dollars for on-farm energy improvements. If you are considering a new grain dryer, or are looking to upgrade lighting, heating or dairy equipment consider an Agricultural Energy Management Plan to qualify. Talk with Joel Zook or with your local NRCS office about EQIP funding. There’s no true off-season on a farm but take advantage of the break between planting and harvest
Lyle Luzum, Board Chair The Winneshiek Energy District was formed in 2010 to lead, implement, and accelerate the clean energy transition in Winneshiek County. One additional part of our mission has been to help others understand the concept of an energy district, create a replicable model, and to assist other counties who want to start one. In recent years, that has begun to happen, and it is accelerating. Currently, Energy
Kristin Eggen, Communications Specialist From disconnected ducts to alien cats, attend this month’s energy breakfast to hear stories from a year in the “boots” of northeast Iowa’s energy-saving superstars: The Green Iowa AmeriCorps team. The 2018-19 team has made an impressive impact in our community through home energy assessments, environmental education, and outreach: 11 months, 4 full-time members, two summer members, 120 homes, and over 112 tons of carbon saved. The
Fighting the Alliant Rate Increase Andy Johnson, Director Hundreds of people packed the Hotel Winneshiek opera house on May 2nd to voice their opposition to Alliant’s roughly 25% proposed rate hike. Thousands of comments have been submitted to the Iowa Utilities Board demonstrating that Iowans are united against the uncontrolled, rapid, repeated rise in rates. Widespread shock and anger have focused on Alliant’s blatantly false claims during the 2018 municipalization
2406, 2019
In Review: The 2nd Annual Electric Vehicle Fest
Briana Burke, Green Iowa AmeriCorps Logistics Coordinator Earlier this June, the Winneshiek Energy District and 150 community members gathered at the Winneshiek County fairgrounds for the 2nd annual Electric Vehicle Fest(EV)val. With the sun shining, and a nice breeze, it was a perfect early summer day to peruse the fairgrounds while learning about electric vehicles(EV). Local EV drivers brought their rides including Teslas, Nissan Leafs, Chevy Volts, and more, to