Blog
What’s a Watt?
One of our roles at CUB is to help Minnesotans better understand their energy options. To do that, we also want to help people understand some of the basic, technical aspects of energy, such as measuring it. In most of our homes, energy as a resource is something we can’t see, feel, hear, or touch….
Great River Energy plans to reach 50% renewable electricity by 2030
Last month, Great River Energy (GRE) announced that 50% of its electricity supply will come from renewable resources by 2030. This will more than double the power cooperative’s current renewable generation over the next 12 years. GRE, based in Maple Grove, is Minnesota’s second-largest electricity generator behind Xcel Energy, which announced last year that it…
New Xcel Energy time-of-use rate pilot should benefit consumers
Xcel recently received approval to conduct a pilot program designed to reduce peak residential energy use through price incentives. The program has the potential to both save consumers money and reduce emissions from electricity generation. Why reduce peak energy use? On a typical weekday, many of us are away from our homes either at work…
Mid Summer Review: Strategies to Stay Cool
Don’t really want to say it, but our summer is almost half over. We’ve had our share of hot steamy summer days with more expected. Luckily there are a lot of tips out there to help you keep your home cool and your energy bills manageable. We’ve assembled tips from state and federal agencies to…
Consumer Spotlight: The Idsos’ energy efficient home
CUB staff were recently in Rochester giving a presentation to Mayo Clinic staff on energy efficiency. In the crowd was Ivan Idso, who, after the presentation was over, asked if CUB would like to join him for a tour of his uber efficient home a few minutes away in Rochester. Of course, CUB staff agreed….