Published August 8, 2017 Here at CUB, we continually stress low-cost and easy ways to be energy efficient as the best way to save money on electric bills. Among the easiest of ways to save money on electricity nowadays is on your lighting. LED lighting is by far and away the cheapest way to keep…
28Jul
Home Energy Audit – a Next Step in Energy Savings
When it comes to residential energy efficiency efforts, at CUB we promote free and easy first. For other efforts that may involve a substantial investment, we highly recommend getting a professional home energy audit. Why? You need to understand where exactly there is potential for energy savings and an energy audit will answer that question….
30May
Getting Ready for Higher Summer Electric Rates
Published May 30, 2017 With the Memorial Day weekend comes the unofficial start to the Minnesota summer. A few days later, on June 1, higher summer electric rates begin for Xcel customers and continue through September. (Lower winter rates are in effect from October through May.) Residential electric rates go up in the summer to…
04May
Analysis: Minnesota energy bill would harm consumers
Published May 4, 2017 This week, the Minnesota House and Senate released the latest draft of its package of energy funding and policy bills. The bill would harm Minnesota utility consumers, and CUB urges a “no” vote. The energy package is contained in the broader Jobs omnibus bill (SF 1937). The energy provisions would: Hurt jobs, residential and…
20Mar
Home insulation can be a year-round money saver
Published March 20, 2017 Today’s energy saving tip comes from the Minnesota Department of Commerce: Proper home insulation is not only a good way to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It can also save you money on your energy bills year round. To reduce costly energy waste, especially in older…
28Feb
New bills will ensure consumer protections in residential PACE financing
Published February 28, 2017 Today, CUB published a letter supporting HF 1377 and SF 1088, bills to suspend a type of energy improvement financing so that consumer protections can be put in place. Property-assessed clean energy financing, or PACE, allows a property owner to make energy improvements, using a loan that they repay through their property tax bill. Property…
23Feb
Is your home leaking energy — and money?
Published February 23, 2017 Sealing air leaks is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy loss in your home. Air that leaks through a home’s windows, doors, ceilings, walls, the foundation, and other areas can waste up to one-third (!!) of your home’s energy budget — not to mention all the extra emissions that…
27Dec
Plan Ahead – Get LED Holiday Lights for Next Year Now
Published December 27, 2016 Many people love shopping after the holidays and picking up seasonal bargains. If you like decorating your home with holiday lights, think about adding discounted LED holiday lights to your shopping list. LED lights use less energy than traditional light bulbs so you will use less electricity, which is good for your budget…
27Oct
Department of Commerce, BBB warn of salespeople pitching energy savings from radiant barriers
Published October 27, 2016 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That’s the message from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota. They’re warning consumers of people attempting to sell radiant barrier products as an energy-saving feature in home attics. Salespeople have been reported…
20Oct
Get your home ready for winter
Published October 20, 2016 The seasons are changing! Following these tips to prepare your home for winter can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Check for leaks: Inspect windows and door frames for cracks or signs of decay or drafts. Seal any leaks with caulk or weatherstripping, or use a temporary product like rope…