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Water heater buying guide
Every household is different and that means there is not a one size fits all when it comes to water heating. There are many different options to choose from when you are in the market for a new water heater. Determining the best fit for your household is an important consideration that can maximize efficiency…
MN Solar Potential Analysis finds high renewable energy levels to be cost effective
Since last year, I’ve represented CUB on the Technical Committee for the Minnesota Solar Pathways initiative. The initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a three-year project exploring strategies to meet Minnesota’s statutory goal of reaching 10 percent solar electricity by 2030. A Solar Potential Analysis, modeling potential costs of various renewable energy…
Be energy smart this winter
For most Minnesota households, winter brings the highest energy bills of the year. The colder the weather, the higher our bills. For an average Minnesota home, over half of annual energy costs are for heating and cooling. As a result, adjusting your thermostat typically represents the biggest opportunity for saving energy throughout the year. Not…
MN Power customers likely to face $350 million in new costs for unneeded power plant
Yesterday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Minnesota Power’s petition for a new Nemadji Trail gas power plant in a 3-2 decision. As we’ve followed on this blog, none of the parties who weighed in on this case before the PUC found a need for the electricity that this plant would generate. In contrast,…
Get your home ready for winter heating
Well, winter came early in some parts of the state. Most of us have probably already had our furnaces turned on for about a month now, so it’s definitely time make sure your furnace or boiler will be in good working order all winter long. Here are a few pointers to help ensure you are…