Coon Rapids is launching an Energy Action Plan. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35% by 2030. To meet this goal, the City is looking at two main components: energy efficiency and renewable energy.
"We want to make it more financially appealing to choose more efficient options," said Olivia Dorow Hovland, the City's sustainability planner. "We acknowledge that our residents and businesses are busy. They don't really have time to dive deep into the different rebates or grants that are available to them. We want to make it easy for them to have access to this information and make the decision for themselves."
The Energy Action Plan does just that. It lays out steps residents and business can take to save energy - and money. In partnership with Xcel Energy and Connexus, the plan details available incentives and promotes ways to make homes and businesses more energy efficient.
One way to take action is through the Coon Rapids Green Homes program, which offers home energy audits at half the typical price. The audit evaluates the efficiency of your home’s insulation, appliances, windows and door seals. Plus, you can get even more rebates if you make some of the suggested changes.
"You get this full assessment and the City is helping you pay for that," Dorow Hovland said. "That's a great start."
The plan also encourages more renewable energy options. For example, residents might install solar panels at their home, or subscribe to wind and solar programs through their utility company.
Read the full plan and learn more about energy efficiency at coonrapidsmn.gov/EnergyActionPlan.