Alliant Rate Case Round-up

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

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Five Feet High and Risin’

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

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Green Iowa AmeriCorps: “The coolest thing I’ve done so far…”

Green Iowa AmeriCorps: “The coolest thing I’ve done so far…”

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,

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We are hiring!

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

Giving thanks for our partners

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

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Join our team: Seeking Communications and Engagement Specialist

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

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High Energy Bills? NEICAC can help.

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

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Solar, Geothermal, and Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

Joel Zook, Energy Planner Below is an overview of 2019 tax credits that may help make your next solar, geothermal, or electric vehicle purchase possible. Solar If you haven’t already heard 2019 is the last year for the full 30% federal tax credit on solar. The credit declines next year to 26% and 22% in 2021. Those are still generous discounts on a solar system but waiting a year to

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It’s the perfect time to get a Farm Energy Assessment

It’s the perfect time to get a Farm Energy Assessment

Joel Zook, Energy Planner Farms are eligible for cost-share dollars for on-farm energy improvements. If you are considering a new grain dryer, or are looking to upgrade lighting, heating or dairy equipment consider an Agricultural Energy Management Plan to qualify. Talk with Joel Zook or with your local NRCS office about EQIP funding. There’s no true off-season on a farm but take advantage of the break between planting and harvest

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Legislature: Redo The Electric Vehicle Triple-Tax Bill

Andy Johnson, Director Joel Zook, Energy Planner The Iowa Legislature just passed a bill creating a new triple-tax scenario on electric vehicles (EV) for Iowans, and a bureaucratic nightmare to implement. HF767 fails to address the real challenges involved and creates a burden of triple-taxation and regulatory uncertainty for Iowa households, farms, businesses and institutions. There is no question that the transition to electric vehicles will require policy adjustment to

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