Post Author's Photographer By Paul Cutting May 23, 2023

Decorah Businesses Encouraged to Utilize Energy Efficiency ProgramsBy Jim Martin-Schramm, Clean Energy Districts of Iowa Policy Analyst

According to a study completed in 2020, the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Decorah comes from the Commercial sector (28.4%). Electricity use makes up 61% of these emissions and natural gas represents the remaining 39% of emissions.

The Decorah Sustainability Commission encourages local businesses to help reduce these emissions and to save money by making use of the ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs offered byAlliant EnergyandBlack Hills Energy.

Given the disproportionate impact of electricity-related emissions, the commission encourages local businesses to participate in Alliant’sSmall Business Energy Solutions Program, which helps businesses invest in more efficient lighting and refrigeration systems.

Interested businesses start by selecting one of the two participating local contractors (Perry Novak ElectricorSee Electric). These companies will evaluate current lighting and/or refrigeration, identify improvement opportunities, and provide a proposal with upgrade recommendations, project costs, paybacks, and rebate information. Alliant Energy pays up to 70% of the completed project cost directly to the contractor. The business pays the balance.

To be eligible, businesses must receive electric service from Alliant Energy, have an annual electric billing of less than $100,000, occupy less than 50,000 square feet, and receive landlord approval if the facility is leased. In addition, installed lighting must be ENERGY STAR or Design Lights Consortium qualified. For further information, contact Novak Electric, See Electric, or Dylan Kullasch atdylan.kollasch@clearesult.com.


Winneshiek Energy District Energy Planner Paul joins Winneshiek Energy District with a background in teaching and carpentry. For the last seven years Paul was a high school industrial tech teacher in Lanesboro, MN. There he taught carpentry, cabinetmaking, electricity, engineering design, graphic design, CAD, entrepreneurship, and more generally, enjoyed helping youngsters grow into capable and confident young adults. Prior to teaching, Paul spent several years as a carpenter disassembling and reconstructing 19th century Norwegian-built log buildings for clients. He also worked several seasons for HistoriCorps, a non-profit that pairs volunteers with hands-on historic preservation projects throughout the mountain west. In his free time Paul enjoys making furniture, trail running with his dog Bobo, scheming backpacking trips out west, camping in his homemade teardrop camper, and rehabbing his 170 year old brick house.

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