Increasing energy conservation and efficiency in residences can play a significant role in Minnesota's goals for energy savings and carbon emissions reductions. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, is using this appropriation to develop and implement innovative residential energy efficiency programs. Programs will be demonstrated in eight cities: Apple Valley, Austin, Duluth, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Rochester, and St. Paul. Homeowners in these cities will have the opportunity to be trained in low-cost energy conservation strategies and selected homeowners will qualify for customized energy action plans, in-home visits by technicians, and assistance with major upgrades, such as insulation and replacement of heating and air conditioning systems. Additionally the project will provide training for people to work as residential energy efficiency improvement contractors resulting in the creation of new entry level jobs. CEE hopes to significantly reduce energy use in at least 6000 homes by the conclusion of the project and to develop programs that will ultimately benefit many more.

For more information, visit http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/all_projects/2009_projects.html.

Project Details