energy efficiency

Your winter energy savings checklist

Published November 30, 2021 Households might be feeling extra strained this winter season from rising heating costs. Some natural gas customers are also seeing surcharges on their bills from the February 2021 winter storm costs. While these things are largely out of our control, actions you take around your home to weatherproof and use less…

A healthy home starts with weatherization

Published October 22, 2021 A cold draft sneaks from the attic, the walls are cold to the touch, and moisture is collecting in the basement. These signs point to a need to weatherize and, without action, can affect your energy bill and the comfort of your home. Over 50% of homes in Minnesota were built…

Energy Efficiency Peer Learning Cohort update

Published September 8, 2021 Since 2019, an active group of community organizations and individuals have been busy increasing their knowledge of energy policy and energy efficiency programs. This group is known as the Energy Efficiency Peer Learning Cohort. The Citizens Utility Board has the pleasure of being part of planning this effort along with the…

CARD grant update

Published September 1, 2021; Updated December 7, 2021 Last January CUB was awarded a Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The purpose of the grant was to complete a research project that will seek improvements to energy efficiency programs to better serve renter, low-income, and Black, Indigenous, and…

Summer energy saving tips

Published June 3, 2021 According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, heating and cooling comprise 55% of a typical Minnesota home’s energy use. The challenge during these next 3-4 months of warm weather is that using a lot of air conditioning can result in high electricity bills. Below are some tips to try to keep…

Minnesota’s new ECO Act will help ease the burdens of energy costs on low-income families, including many people of color

May 28, 2021 Sahan Journal Andrew Hazzard A rare bipartisan bill aims to help Minnesota lower emissions while offering significant savings for low-income families, including many people of color.  Governor Tim Walz signed the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act into law May 25. The bill modernizes the state’s Conservation Improvement Program, a long-term energy-…

Minnesota Capitol

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…

2021 MN Legislature: ECO Act passes thanks to hard work, collaboration

May 20, 2021 Center for Energy and Environment Mike Bull Minnesota’s regular legislative session ended on May 18 with the biggest clean energy win since 2013, strengthening our most successful energy policy in state history. After six years of hard work and deep bipartisan collaboration, the Energy Conservation and Optimization Act (known as “ECO”) was…

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