July 9, 2021 Energy News Network Frank Jossi Efficiency upgrades can be a financial boost for low-income homeowners, but asbestos, mold and other issues sometimes found in older homes can keep those improvements financially out of reach, even with incentives. A new Minnesota law aims to bridge that gap. The state’s existing Conservation Improvement Program…
26May
Legislature passes ECO Act to update energy conservation programs
Published May 26, 2021 On May 17, the Minnesota legislature passed the first major energy reform in more than a decade. The Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act will provide more options for Minnesotans to reduce their energy use, costs, and environmental impact. The bill updates the state’s long-standing and successful Conservation Improvement Program and…
24Feb
Senate to hear bills to roll back or eliminate long-standing energy conservation law
Published February 24, 2021 Tomorrow, the Senate energy committee will hear bills that would roll back opportunities for Minnesotans – especially in Greater Minnesota – to conserve energy and save money on their utility bills. CUB is asking people in key senate districts to contact their senators and ask them to oppose these bills (more…
26Jan
ECO Act would update Minnesota’s energy conservation policy
Published January 26, 2021 CUB’s executive director, Annie Levenson-Falk, will testify today before the Minnesota House Climate and Energy Committee in favor of a bill to update the state’s energy conservation policy. The Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act would make modest but important changes to the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) by expanding the types…
24Apr
Updates to Minnesota’s energy conservation policy advance at the legislature
Published April 24, 2020 A bill to update the state’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) law was passed by the energy committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate yesterday. The product of more than a year of work, the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act is advancing with bipartisan support, carried by Representative Zack Stephenson…
28Aug
Renters tips to save energy and money
When renting an apartment or home it is important to consider the utilities you need to pay for in addition to your rent. Here are some general tips to help you get prepared when your utility bill comes in. Find out what you are responsible for. Renters are often expected to sign up and pay…
28Feb
Who are these energy efficient neighbors?
One of the most consistent questions we get at CUB energy consultations is “Who are those neighbors that I see on my bill that are using significantly less energy than we are?” Many utilities have added a section on their bills or online portals that are comparing your monthly energy usage to that of your…
02Mar
The connection between water and energy
March 22 is World Water Day. Its less well known than Earth Day, but very appropriate for Minnesota. Minnesotans love water in all its forms- in lakes, rivers, wetlands or as snow! We are surrounded by it and lucky to have it in abundance, especially compared to other parts of the U.S. and the world….