USDA Grant Opportunities for Clean Energy

USDA Grant Opportunities for Clean Energy

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

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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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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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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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Eat Pizza For Your Energy District

Eat Pizza For Your Energy District

Kristin Eggen, Communications Specialist The Winneshiek Energy District is partnering with Luna Valley Farm on Friday, May 17th from 4-8pm for a clean energy fundraising night. A percentage of the evening’s sales will support local, clean energy programming in Winneshiek County. The Winneshiek Energy District is a local non-profit with a mission to lead, implement, and accelerate the locally-owned, inclusive, clean energy transition in Winneshiek County. Recent projects have included

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Register for the Carbon Footprint Workshop

Register for the Carbon Footprint Workshop

Joel Zook, Energy Planner The Energy District, in partnership with the Decorah Public Library, is hosting a Carbon Footprint Workshop on April 30th at 6 pm at the Decorah Public Library. We’ll talk about how to measure your household carbon footprint and discuss ways you can reduce it through energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. We’ll also highlight our local carbon offset program, Oneota Tags, which supports the work of

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Alliant Rate Increase … and What You Can Do About It

Andy Johnson, Director Wait, what did you say, Alliant rates are going up? I thought they just promised us (during the debate around a municipal electric utility) that their rates would rise veeeery sloooowly for at least 20 years? We’ve heard many variants of this reaction in recent weeks, some with much more colorful language. If it weren’t so serious, we would be tempted to think the company had a

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News from the Winneshiek Solar Fair

News from the Winneshiek Solar Fair

Briana Burke, Logistics Coordinator, Green Iowa AmeriCorps What can save you money, is good for the environment, creates local jobs, and is the future of energy? Solar panels! While that riddle isn’t too hard to figure out, the process of getting solar panels installed on your home can feel like an overwhelming maze. This past Saturday, over 150 people from the tri-state area took the first steps through the maze

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Help plan northeast Iowa’s second annual Electric Vehicle Fair

Help plan northeast Iowa’s second annual Electric Vehicle Fair

Now seeking energetic (get it?), creative, and passionate EV enthusiasts to help plan this year’s 2019 Electric Vehicle Fest(EV)al and Fair. Last year’s premier event was a huge success and we’re looking forward to another great June event. Are you interested in helping craft an exciting and educational event for our community? Contact Kristin@energydistrict.org.