Energy Efficiency & Electrification

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Improving energy efficiency means using less energy to produce the same result, which reduces overall energy consumption. Energy-efficient buildings require less electricity and natural gas for heating, cooling, lighting, and other functions. The reduction in energy demand not only lowers utility costs but also decreases the need for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the reliance on natural gas, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with both power generation and fossil fuel consumption.

Electrifying buildings involves replacing fossil fuel-based systems, such as natural gas or oil heating, with electric alternatives like heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and induction stoves. This shift is key to decarbonizing buildings, as it eliminates direct emissions from burning fossil fuels on-site. When paired with renewable energy, building electrification can lead to significant reductions in GHG emissions from the building and energy sectors.

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rebates and incentives

To see how much money you could save by making an energy efficiency or electrification improvement, try Rewiring America’s interactive Incentive Calculator.

Rochester Public Utilities’ (RPU) Conserve and Save™ rebates provide incentives to residents for purchasing efficient new home appliances, heating systems, electric vehicles, and more. The list of qualifying purchases and application forms for the Conserve and Save™ rebates can be found here.

Minnesota Energy Resources provides rebates on energy efficiency improvements for both new and existing homes, such as improvements to natural gas heating systems, ductwork, and windows. The full list of qualifying improvements can be found here.

The State of Minnesota will receive substantial funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, providing rebates for home energy efficiency and electrification improvements. This funding will become available in 2025. Find out more information here.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides residents with numerous forms of monetary incentives to invest in clean energy and improve energy efficiency. For electric vehicle tax credits click here. For home energy tax credits click here.

utility bill reduction

Rochester Public Utilities offers a Smart Thermostat Program, which provides homeowners a one time $50 enrollment incentive and an annual $25 year-end bill credit for allowing RPU to adjust home thermostats by up to 4 degrees on weekdays during times of peak demand. The temperature adjustments are not on weekends or holidays and typically last only 1-4 hours. The program allows RPU to reduce energy demand during peak hours, lowering energy costs and passing the savings down to customers.

energy audits

RPU and Minnesota Energy Resources have teamed up with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer Rochester homeowners the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, a full-service residential energy audit program. The program includes a free energy workshop, a home energy assessment, installation of energy saving materials, and guidance through the process of making energy efficiency improvements, if applicable.

electrification tools

Fossil fuel-powered appliances, like gas stoves and water heaters, can allow pollutants into your home. Electrification can help lower your home's environmental impact and contribute to better indoor air quality. For help with the electrification process, visit the Center for Energy and the Environment’s Electrify Everything Minnesota website. For information about heat pumps and heat pump contractors visit the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative and enter your zip code.

income-qualified resources

Energy Sustainability for Our Elderly: Rochester Public Utilities and Minnesota Energy Resources are offering an energy efficiency improvement program for Rochester’s low-income residents over the age of 60 in single family homes. The program includes a free home energy audit and covers the installation costs of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities identified by the audit.

4U2 Program: Rochester Public Utilities and Minnesota Energy Resources are offering a program for Rochester’s income-qualified residents to make energy efficiency improvements. The program includes a free home energy audit and covers the installation costs of energy efficiency opportunities identified by the audit.

Weatherization Assistance Program: Homeowners and renters who qualify for the Energy Assistance Program administered by the MN Department of Commerce are automatically screened for the Weatherization Assistance program, administered through Semcac, a local weatherization provider. Eligible homeowners’ and renters’ homes will undergo a free home energy audit and, if necessary, receive free weatherization, as well as tune-ups and repairs to heating systems.

Resources:

RPU Conserve and Save Rebates

Minnesota Energy Resources Rebates

Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates

Inflation Reduction Act Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Tax Credits

RPU Smart Thermostat Program

Neighborhood Energy Challenge

Electrify Everything Minnesota

MN Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative

RPU's Financing Your Commercial Energy Efficiency Project (PDF)

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Energy Efficiency & Electrification

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