Winneshiek Energy District offering two new programs

Winneshiek Energy District in partnership with the City of Decorah is offering two new energy efficiency programs to Decorah households earning 80 percent or below the area's median income.

Participants in the Home Energy Planning with Rebates Program receive free comprehensive home energy analysis and planning services.  They are eligible for a 50 percent rebate on the cost of major energy efficiency improvements - up to $5,000 per home.  In addition, participants in the program may be eligible to receive up to 100 percent of the total cost of improvements when Energy District rebates are combined with utility rebates and funds available from the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund.

Participants in the Green Iowa AmeriCorps Direct Install Program receive basic home testing, including blower door testing for air leakage. The Americorps team then provides direct installation of quick, simple energy improvements that make big dollar savings.  Examples include light bulb, showerhead and furnace filter change outs.  This home testing and direct installation is entirely free to all eligible households, including labor and supplies.

This same Direct Install program is available county wide with free labor, but non low-income households pay for half of the cost of installed materials.

Funding for these programs is provided by the City of Decorah's TIF funds. Due to the use of those funds, only households in the City of Decorah qualify for this program.  Each household's pre-tax annual income must be less than 80 percent of the area's median annual income.  As an example, a family of four making $51,850 or less would qualify.  Housing Trust Fund incentives are also available from Upper Explorerland and also start at the 80 percent level. 

Winneshiek Energy District officials say you should contact them even if you don't think you're qualified because of income or location.  You can find out more information and access sign-up forms at the Winneshiek Energy District's website, www.energydistrict.org/programs/decorahlmi, or call the WED at (563) 382-4207 or email them at contact@energydistrict.org.