by Nicholas Romano, Green Iowa Corps Education Coordinator Ideal Energy A leader in Iowa solar industries since 2009, Ideal Energy has engaged in solar installation, financing, power purchasing agreements, battery storage, and now research into the Gren Hydrogen arena. Amy Vanbeek and Troy Vanbeek co-founded Ideal Energy after recognizing the need for renewable energy based on the world’s reliance on finite carbon-based energy sources. Now they are piloting the production
Kristin Eggen, Communications Specialist, Winneshiek Energy District December 31, 2019 Shippable Solar kits for faraway lands? Snacks from the byproduct of beer-making? Carbon accounting apps? Yes, these all exist and were showcased at the GreenBIZ VERGE19 conference, in addition to dozens of industry experts from around the country. My colleague Joel Zook and I had the privilege to attend VERGE19 in Oakland, CA October 22-24 with support from the Solutions
Hearings for the Alliant Energy proposed rate increase will be held October 7-10th, 2019 in Des Moines. WED Executive Director Andy Johnson and board member Jim Martin-Schramm will attend as interveners. The public is welcome to view the hearings via webcast. Save this link to tune in on the 7th. Need a primer? Read Andy’s blog post titled Electric Rates Matter to Every Community.
Kristin Eggen, Communications Join us for an energy LUNCH. While there are many amazing local solar installers, perhaps you’ve imagined installing your own solar panels? The Winneshiek Energy District and Northeast Iowa Community College invite the public to a lunchtime lecture “The Bumps and Benefits of DIY Solar” at NICC’s Wilder Business Center on Tuesday, October 15th at 12 PM. The hour-long lunch-and-lecture will feature NICC’s Electrical Industrial instructor Jeff
On the evening of Saturday, September 21st, 2019 thirty-six people squeezed in the Oneota Co-op’s Kitchen Classroom to view the documentary “Paris to Pittsburgh.” The 73-minute film explored America’s movement toward renewable, clean energy in the face of climate change catastrophes around the country. Stories from Miami to Ventura, from Pittsburgh to Puerto Rico showed how localities are responding to natural disasters caused by a changing climate. It was a
Are you a farm or small business owner looking for support for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements? Or perhaps you’re simply curious about programs available to support rural communities? If so, September’s Energy Breakfast is one you won’t want to miss. On Tuesday, September 17th at 7:30 AM at T-Bocks Underground join USDA Rural Development Program Specialist Norman Brus learn about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP
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
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
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
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