Energy efficiency in Decorah homes receives a large grant from the State of Iowa

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence has awarded $881,362 to Decorah for a program to improve the energy efficiency of local homes.

The money comes to Decorah through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, two federal programs. The money will be used to pay the local cost share for energy audits of homes.

The energy audits offer a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort at home, while helping to protect the environment. Contractors participating in a locally-sponsored program can help homeowners cost-effectively improve their home's energy efficiency. These specially-trained contractors evaluate the homes using state-of-the-art equipment and recommend comprehensive improvements that will yield the best results.

The grant will help Decorah residents reduce energy use and is expected to create some new new jobs. State officials say the program will make facilities, transportation, building codes and inspections more energy efficient. Energy efficient technologies will be used to replace traffic signals and street lighting. The program also will aid in the development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs.