Energy Conservation Program

Purpose

Minnesota requires that utilities provide a conservation improvement program for low-income households.

Energy CENTS and Xcel Energy are working together to assist qualified low-income Minnesotans with saving money and energy through free conservation improvements.

Who we help

Our program has been designed to target higher usage Xcel gas and electric customers in the Twin Cities East Metro area. We help homeowners and, in some instances, renters. We recommend calling our office with questions.

Our service area spans the East Metro, covering the entire counties of Ramsey and Washington, and includes some communities in Anoka, Chisago, and Dakota Counties. If you meet the guidelines for Energy Assistance, you may qualify for our program.

Energy Audits

We work with experienced energy auditors from the Neighborhood Energy Connection, who provide a free Whole Home Energy Inspection that includes a blower door test, attic and wall insulation inspection and health and safety analysis. We target homes that are most in need of energy improvements and constantly attempt to improve our program by evaluating pre and post-consumption levels in every home we serve.

Conservation Improvements

Depending on each household’s needs, we may:

• Tune-up, repair, or replace the furnace
• Replace an old refrigerator or freezer with new energy-efficient model
• Insulate the house to keep cold drafts out and keep heat in
• Replace water heaters
• Replace an old window air conditioner with a new energy-efficient model
• Install new compact florescent bulbs in lighting fixtures
• Show you other ways to save on home energy costs

Energy CENTS will not be able to help with:

• Window replacement
• Replacing a working furnace with an energy efficient model
• Home Improvements beyond our Program

Xcel offers a rebate for some Energy Star® products. If you do not think you qualify for this program, call Xcel for details about rebates for energy efficient furnaces, boilers, air conditioning systems and units, and heat pumps (1-800-895-4999).