Electric Rates Matter To Every Community

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.

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The State of Climate Change Education in America

The State of Climate Change Education in America

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

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Energy Savvy Business -Fall Learning Series

Energy Savvy Business -Fall Learning Series

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

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Swap Bulbs, Save Money

Swap Bulbs, Save Money

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

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“You Found What??” Stories from a year of energy savings

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

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Localism Versus Wealth Extraction

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

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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

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Welcome Summer Squad!

Welcome Summer Squad!

Today we welcome Ally Peters and Luke Forsberg as Green Iowa AmeriCorps summer members. Luke and Ally will serve 300 hours this summer helping to scale up our summer programs and make northeast Iowa a more sustainable place to live through environmental education projects, home energy assessments, and community service projects. Both have studied political science and environmental science at Luther College. This summer’s projects will include work with the Decorah butterfly garden,

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GIA Recieves Tool Donation from Allamkee Clayton REC

GIA Recieves Tool Donation from Allamkee Clayton REC

This is John Molumby, from the Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative, with Bri Burke and Gracie Engle of the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team. The GIA team recently took a field trip to the ACEC headquarters so we could pick up a blower door fan, frame, and other equipment John was donating to the Winneshiek Energy District. We’ve been working with John for a while. He’s referred ACEC clients with high utility

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Attend the Second Annual Electric Vehicle Fest(EV)al

Attend the Second Annual Electric Vehicle Fest(EV)al

Kristin Eggen, Communications & Outreach Coordinator The Winneshiek Energy District and local partners announce the second annual Electric Vehicle Fest(EV)al will be back at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds’ Danan Lansing Building on Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This free event will feature an electric vehicle with various plug-in models from area dealerships, a community electric vehicle car show (sign up to participate), workshops, a history of

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