Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
Best Practice of this action
Rating Guideline
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Program activities include but are not limited to: information/education efforts via newsletters and the like; work with the local utility, local Community Action Program, local bank, or others; promote utility load management programs (EV charging rates/programs, fuel-switching, AC/water heater cycling); program participation reports. Report a rebate program to promote purchases of WaterSense-rated products (toilets, faucets, etc.) under BPA 2.5; report work with businesses under BPA 25.2; report broad sustainability campaigns that go beyond energy efficiency under BPA 24.4 |
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One or more of: provide more in-depth energy use reports; explicitly focus on improved indoor air quality; partner with others on low-interest loans, assistance to homeowners and renters on weatherization, efficiency improvements; incentivize Home Energy Squad or other home energy audit program visits and residential efficiency improvements; resident participation in the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation; provide free home purchasing counseling that includes information about energy and water use. |
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Create a city program and report on number of households participating (e.g. took advantage of rebates, loans, grants, attended workshops, received home energy audit) and dollars or BTUs or therms saved. Report participation in Xcel's Partners in Energy program under BPA 6.5. |
Resources
- Like the food pyramid, Minnesota Power's hierarchy of energy efficiency/renewable energy actions for homes can help focus outreach efforts. See also the Home Energy Hub -- tips from Minnesota experts for living comfortably and cheaply.
- Use the International Dark-Sky Association Home Lighting guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
- Minnesota Housing's Fix Up Fund loans money for cost-saving weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades. See also the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for links to all Minnesota utilities and their energy efficiency / renewable energy information and incentive programs, along with other grant/funding opportunities.
- See Home Energy Guides from CERTs for renters, landlords, and owners of single-family and manufactured homes that provide ways to be comfortable, safe, and efficient.
- Cities may find it useful to invite the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota staff out to conduct a 'how to read your bill and cut costs' seminar.
- The Minnesota Multifamily Affordable Housing Energy Network (MMAHEN) works to increase energy efficiency and conservation in multifamily buildings of five units or more in Minnesota by improving and expanding the use and equitable access of available resources. MMAHEN engages with renters, property owners, utilities, and other stakeholders to promote reliable data access and benchmarking, increased energy efficacy, identifying health impacts, and financing tools.
- Challenge and assistance programs that cities may find useful include (1) the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation which challenges residents to make a pledge and take actions to conserve water, and (2) the federal Better Buildings Challenge to the multifamily residential sector, through which participating residential building owners and managers have committed to reduce energy consumption by at least 20 % over 10 years.
- Attention to healthy home aspects - lead, radon, carbon monoxide, moisture/leaks, mold, dust and contaminants, pests, indoor smoke/poisons, and safety - is the specialty of the Sustainable Resources Center and it's Home Performance Solutions services available for hire by cities.
- See EV resources at Drive Electric Minnesota.
Order Number
1
Action Type
Finite