Post Author's Photographer By Kristin Eggen August 5, 2026

At the June 13, 2026 Decorah Community School District school board meeting Executive Director Kristin Eggen shares support for creating an ad hoc energy policy committee to support district progress toward greater energy efficiency, and support for approval of a solar power purchase agreement. View recording of WED’s comments to the Decorah Community School board (starting at 14:00) or read the statement below.

“Hello, My name is Kristin Eggen (resident of 602 Oak Street in Decorah). I am the executive director at the Winneshiek Energy District and I’m here tonight with a board member, Steve Peterson. I applaud the board’s foresight in creating an energy conservation policy for the district and consider renewable energy investments. Our mission is to lead, implement and accelerate the locally owned renewable energy transition in Winneshiek County and these actions fall squarely into that. We are eager to support the energy conservation policy through participation in an ad hoc committee if the board decides to go that direction, or simply providing local expertise, and lending a helping hand.

In the clean energy space we have a saying: “Reduce Before You Produce” – meaning that it is wise to reduce the amount of energy used through energy efficiency & conservation measures before investing in renewable energy. As energy prices rise due to factors outside of our control, renewable energy is increasingly valuable – especially for institutions who expect to be around long after the system is paid off. By prioritizing a path toward greater energy conservation the district both reveals strategic opportunities for utility cost savings and lowers the size of future electricity generation, should you decide to add solar down the road.

Energy savings and cost savings frees up money from the general fund to be invested where it is needed most. It’s a step that is both practical and strategic as budgets tighten and energy prices rise.

Creating an ad-hoc committee would engage community members who bring expertise, experience, and interest to the benefit of the district. Such committees are fueled by shared priorities & shared outcomes – and that is our prize for participating!

Last but not least, these projects go beyond cost savings. In reading the mission and vision of the DCSD I realize this part is actually quite important. The district’s actions today are emotionally meaningful to young people.  According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, “Over 42% of U.S. youth ages 16 to 25 said that climate change impacted their mental health, and 38% said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily lives”.  Involving community members – hopefully including young people – in energy conservation is an act of hope.

As one of the largest public entities in the region, the district’s innovation and leadership through consideration of this energy conservation policy and renewable energy tonight is significant! Thank you for your leadership and for your time.”

 

Update: The DCSD board voted in favor of creation of an energy policy ad hoc committee, and approved a solar power purchase agreement with Novak Electric at the July 13, 2026 school board meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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.

Love this post?

Share it with family and friends.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Don’t miss these

Your Fall Home Energy Checklist

September 10, 2026

As autumn brings crisp air and cooler evenings, now is an ideal time to prep your home for the upcoming heating season. A few simple …

A Fresher Approach to Drying Clothes

August 18, 2026

When we talk about residential energy efficiency, heating, cooling and insulation usually come to mind. Yet sitting in every home’s utility room is one of …

How to Request Use of the Mobile Solar Generator

August 13, 2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Management welcomes community organizations and municipalities to request use of the county’s newest asset for temporary use at special events. The Sun …