Joel Zook, Energy Planner I am taking another hard look at solar panels for my home. My roof is not an ideal site for solar; It faces west and is heavily shaded through most of the morning. I ran the numbers shortly after buying my house and the payback was longer than I was willing to commit to. However, it’s been a few years and prices continue to fall. Additionally,
Kristin Eggen, Communications Specialist Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been of interest to those seeking to decrease fossil fuel dependency and generate power in their communities through renewable energy. As the EV market grows in response to high fuel costs and clean transportation needs, we are excited about the clean, efficient transportation that EVs can and will offer. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on June 2nd at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds
Emily Osborne, Green Iowa AmeriCorps Audit Coordinator Got a bored teenager and want to lower your energy bills? If so, here is a quick list of opportunities to kill two birds with one stone! Make natural cleaners. As our nation transitions to a chemical-free food system, why not apply the same mentality towards our cleaning supplies? Creating your personal cleaner reduces your home’s exposure to unknown chemicals, helps the environment,
Ashley Lookenhouse, Green Iowa Education Coordinator 2017-18 The week of March 11th to 17th is AmeriCorps Week. Launched in May 2007, AmeriCorps week is dedicated to giving recognition to the nearly 80,000 members that complete yearly National Service terms. There are many different positions that AmeriCorps members serve in from working in school systems to working in National Parks and everything in between. One way that AmeriCorps members serve communities
New community organization urges city to consider its options Decorah (IA) – The concept of the City of Decorah becoming its own municipal electrical utility (MEU) was presented to the Decorah City Council’s utility committee on Monday night. The presentation was made by Decorah Power, a new non-profit comprised of Decorah area residents formed to explore the option. “This is about opportunities”, stated Decorah Power President Larry Grimstad in introduction.
The Clayton County Energy District (CCED) will host an LED Lighting Workshop for home, business and farm owners at the Keystone Area Education Center in Elkader on Saturday, March 18th. The workshop will kick off with a vendor fair followed by a LED lighting workshop where local experts will highlight the benefits of LED lighting fixtures, financial opportunities and energy efficiency programs that may ease the transition to LED upgrades
The Winneshiek Energy District’s December Energy Breakfast features Sam Pollan, recent research delegate to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco. Pollan spoke about his experience as a delegate at this year’s conference, provided an overview of international climate negotiations and explored what they mean for Decorah. The event was held at 7:30 AM in the lower level of T-Bocks on Tuesday, December 20th.
The Iowa legislature is currently debating three pieces of legislation of special interest to renewable energy advocates in Iowa. To take action, call or email your Iowa Representative or Senator, with contact information found here. Some information here is take from the Iowa Environmental Council’s weekly legislative updates, which can be received by signing up at their site. “NO” on SF406/HF548 SF406/HF548 imposes additional requirements for interconnection customers connecting renewable energy
What are the challenges facing rural communities in Northeast Iowa? How can communities proactively address these challenges to create thriving, resilient communities? These questions and more will shape a community forum and conversation featuring work in Northeast Iowa as well as conversation about the future of rural communities. The goals of these forums are to share the results of work in the region, engage community leaders and stakeholders in a
Winneshiek County topped all other Iowa counties in residential solar installations in 2014, according to figures from the Iowa Department of Revenue. The county is likely in the top five for commercial installations (click on the image for a pdf showing both maps). “It’s absolutely amazing, that Winneshiek County comes out ahead of even the metropolitan counties with populations so much larger,” said Kyra Bellrichard, with Business and Community Solutions