Post Author's Photographer By Kristin Eggen March 31, 2026

The Winneshiek Energy District (WED) invites income-qualifying households in the city of Decorah to sign up for a free home energy audit by May 2026 to take advantage of a limited time energy-saving service.  View income qualifications and sign up at energydistrict.org/audit/ or call 563-334-0538

These free home energy audits are made possible by a grant to the City of Decorah from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program to support improved energy efficiency for low-income households. The program supports energy audits for single family homes for households at or below 80% area median income ($57,000+ for households) as determined by the Housing Urban Development. 

“With rising energy costs – and air conditioning season right around the corner – a home energy audit is a useful tool for households looking for opportunities to shrink utility costs,” says WED executive director Kristin Eggen. “It’s known that lower income households pay a larger percentage for their utilities, and we are proud to partner with the city to help Decorah households find ways to spend less on their energy bills.”

A home energy audit is a service which helps homeowners and renters identify utility savings, measure the energy efficiency of their home and identify short and long term steps toward energy conservation. A home energy audit from the Winneshiek Energy District includes a blower door test to find air leaks, utility bill analysis to identify trends, appliance inventory, and connection to available financial incentives and programs. The service identifies everything from simple fixes to planning for equipment replacement. 

“Every home is a little different,” says energy auditor Paul Cutting. “We focus on practical solutions that help homeowners reach their goals, whether that be affordability, comfort, or environmental impact.”

The Winneshiek Energy District is local 501c3 with a mission to lead, implement, and accelerate the local clean energy transition in Winneshiek County. The organization has 15 years of experience performing energy-saving services in Winneshiek County and greater northeast Iowa. Learn more at energydistrict.org.


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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