Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for October, 2009

Project ReEnergize

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) has allocated $2.5 million in funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide rebates to homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades.  Dubbed Project ReEnergize, this program will be administered by the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) and serves to improve energy efficiency in Minnesota homes and stimulate jobs. 

Project ReEnergize will provide rebates of up to $4,000 for a variety of energy upgrades to owner-occupied homes under 3,000 square feet that were constructed before 2000. One rebate check per a household is allowed and the funds may be used in addition to other tax credits and incentives currently available and will only be available through qualified remodelers.

Rebates through this program include:

Energy Efficiency Measures Eligible For Rebate Maximum Rebate per Household
Replacement Energy Star window without attic air sealing $250 per window
Replacement Energy Star window with attic air sealing $300 per window
Advanced air sealing of attic $800
Attic insulation $800
Exterior wall insulation $800
Replacing orphaned atmospherically vented water heater $750

For more details about the program, qualifing upgrades and qualified area contractors follow the link below:

www.projectreenergize.org

RPU to Co-Sponsor Solar Class- November 7th

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

RPU will be co-sponsoring a community education class entitled, “Solar Systems: Options, Economics, and Rebates on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 10AM to 12PM at the Northrop Community Center. 

The class will provide an overview of different heating and electric solar systems along with their costs and expected energy savings.  Find out what to look for when purchasing equipment, selecting contractors, and dealing with code issues.  The MN state rebate, utility contracts, and the new 30% Federal tax credit will be explained.  The instructor, Curt Shellum, is with Innovative Power Systems (ips-solar.com) IPS was started in 1992 and is one of the leading solar design and installation companies in the upper midwest. 

The cost of the class is $9.00 and to sign up please go to the Rochester Community Education website:

http://activenet2.active.com/rochesterce/

Or call Rochester Community Education at 507-328-4000.

Building Operator Certification II class coming to Owatonna in January 2010

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

BOC Level II training is designed for those individuals who have received Level I certification or who have three or more years of experience working in operations and maintenance of a commercial or institutional facility. Level II certification requires participants to attend four core courses and two supplemental courses (56 hours of training, 4.6 CEUs) and complete class exams and projects.

Click here for more information or to download the course brochure

RPU Bonus Rebates with Warners’ Stellian Extended For A Limited Time

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) and Warners’ Stellian have extended their partnership to help save you money on Energy Star appliances. Now through December 31, 2009, when you purchase new ENERGY STAR® appliances at Warners’ Stellian, RPU will not only give you a rebate on your purchase, but for a limited time, Warners’ Stellian is also offering a $25 BONUS REBATE!

And because ENERGY STAR® products are up to 50% more efficient than standard models, you’ll continue to save money on your utility bills, and the energy you save will help our environment by using less of our valuable natural resources, indian tadalafil.

Download the complete brochure for details.

Tours available of Silver Lake Plant and the new emission reduction project

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

In recognition of Public Power Week, RPU is opening the doors of the SIlver Lake Plant on Thursday October 8 and Friday October 9 from 1:30- 3p.m. Group size is limited and you must sign up in advance.

Contact Tony Benson at 507-280-1534 or tbenson@rpu.org to sign up for a tour.

Safety equipment will be provided including hard hats, hearing protection, and safety glasses. Solid sole shoes are required. Also as a safety precaution, please do not wear skirts, dresses, or heels to the tour.