Bri Burke, GreenIowa Americorps Member COVID-19 has brought our regular home energy assessment work to a temporary halt. In response, we have been hard at work brainstorming new ways to continue serving the community while abiding by social distancing. To do this, we have altered our old Americorps mantra, “Getting things done”, to, “Getting things done…from a distance”. To continue our work (from a distance!), we are developing an “Audit
Joel Zook, Energy Planner, Winneshiek Energy District Last year, I finally put solar on my roof. 2019 was the year many people, including myself, took advantage of state and federal tax credits before they phase out over three years. If you are thinking about solar, it’s important to know that tax credits are still in place, but drop a bit lower at the end of 2020, before phasing out completely
Iowa electric customers and communities pursuing locally-owned solar energy could be big winners this legislative session, if a tentative deal between solar advocates and MidAmerican Energy is implemented as intended. The deal would codify two versions of net metering in state law, and create a roadmap towards development of a Value of Solar tariff when certain statewide adoption rates are reached. Final language is still being hammered out, and we
Andy Johnson, Executive Director, Winneshiek Energy District The Iowa Utilities Board has issued a final ruling on the recent Alliant Energy electric rate increase. The Energy District joined the City of Decorah, Luther College, Winneshiek Medical Center, and Aase Haugen Senior Services in forming the Decorah Area Group (DAG). DAG submitted extensive testimony in opposition to the rate increase, and in support of locally-owned energy efficiency and solar rights. DAG’s
Andy Johnson, Executive Director, Winneshiek Energy District How high’s the water, mama? Two feet high and risin’ How high’s the water, papa? She said it’s two feet high and risin’ We can make it to the road in a homemade boat That’s the only thing we got left that’ll float It’s already over all the wheat and oats, Two feet high and risin’ Johnny Cash was no stranger to hard
Briana Burke, Green Iowa AmeriCorps When asked, “What’s the coolest thing you’ve done so far during your term?”, my mind is filled with images of changing light bulbs during energy assessments, kids excited about a game during an education event and sitting in a room full of people attending an energy breakfast. Actually, these moments may not sound very cool out loud, but these fond memories include rewarding work,
Check out these two opportunities to work with local, clean energy! Communications position announcement Nov2019 West Union Position Annoucement Learn more on our Jobs page
Tis the season to give thanks! Here at the Winneshiek Energy District, we have deep, deep gratitude for countless community partners who are also working toward a clean, local, energy future for Winneshiek County and beyond. NEIA Energy Districts I’ll never forget the time a professor shouted at my group “stop acting like a bunch of trees and start acting like a forest!” We all knew what that meant: ditch
Do you care about local, clean energy for all? Are you a great communicator and community-builder? Join our team! The Winneshiek Energy District is looking for an experienced, part-time Communications and Community Engagement professional to join our team in Decorah, Iowa, beginning January 2020. Winneshiek Energy District (WED) is a northeast Iowa public benefit corporation located in Decorah, Iowa. You can read all about us on this nifty website – but
Kristin Eggen, Communications Specialist For years the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation has helped low-income households stay safe and warm with the weatherization and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP). If you or someone you know could benefit from assistance with your energy bills, these programs may be right for you. Click the links to learn more. Apply today! Weatherization The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides many northeast Iowans