Spring is finally here and for many people that means spring cleaning. Clean up more than your home this spring, clean up your energy bills as well. Energy audits are a great way to uncover opportunities to save energy and money. CUB posted a blog about the benefits of energy audits last summer. We’re writing about…
23Mar
Spring Energy Saving Tips
It is officially spring, but spring is a tricky business in Minnesota. Sometimes we get a few months of spring, sometimes a few weeks. We’ve come up with a list of spring energy saving tips for you to implement as appropriate. Due to the ever-changing temperatures, we are also including links to our winter and…
18Mar
Bills introduced at legislature to allow residential PACE financing with consumer protections
As readers of this blog know, last year, I represented CUB on a state task force to identify consumer protections that would be needed to allow Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for Minnesota homeowners. PACE allows property owners to make energy improvements by taking out loans that they then repay through their property taxes….
26Feb
Demand response is beneficial for customers
Were you aware that a significant portion of your energy costs come from the handful of hours each year that customers use the most energy? Everyone expects their lights to come on without fail no matter what time of day it is. This means utilities must build and maintain expensive power plants with the sole…
02Jan
Thinking about Energy Efficient Improvements? Look Around for Payment Options
Making your new year to-do list? Maybe building a budget? If you are a homeowner, there are likely quite a few things on your to do list. I’d guess there are a lot of demands on your household budget too: mortgage, insurance, property taxes, maintenance and inevitably some improvements needed or desired. Let’s talk improvements,…
28Dec
Could a new thermostat save me money and energy?
When there is a new “smart” product or “igadget” out every other day, the important question to always be asking is: How will this new technology benefit me? When heating and cooling account for about half of the energy costs in your home, the benefits of an upgraded thermostat are clear. Traditional thermostats require you…
20Dec
CUB seeks consumers protections in new clean energy financing program
This year, I have represented CUB on a state task force to identify consumer protections that would be needed for a new kind of clean energy financing: Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, for residential properties. PACE allows property owners to make energy improvements by taking out loans that they repay through their property tax…
15Dec
Are You Due a Rebate? Don’t Miss the Deadline
We know the end of the year can get very busy. Sorry to suggest yet another item on your to do list, but it’s our job to help you save money! So, CUB wants to remind you to get in your paperwork for utility-based rebate programs before the end of the year. If you bought…
06Dec
Energy Demand-Side Management Benefits Customers
Turning a light on in your home probably doesn’t elicit much thought about the amazing systems and processes that provide your electricity. The electric grid has the capability to supply nearly every American with the power they need, from charging phones to keeping homes cool on hot days, at a moment’s notice. While it’s easy…
21Nov
Celebrate the Holidays in LED Style
Planning to brighten up your home with lights this holiday season? If you haven’t already switched to LED holiday lights, this could be the year to do it. Compared to traditional incandescent holiday lights, LED holiday lights use way less energy (70- 90% less) and save you money in the long run. Not only will…