Energy

The City of Fridley’s Energy Goals:

By 2020, we will reduce community energy use 5 percent. By 2030, we will reduce community energy use 20 percent.

You can help us get there!

The City of Fridley is participating in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program to reduce the community’s energy use and help residents save money. The city and its energy team, comprised of residents, businesses and local institutions developed an Energy Action Plan that set energy goals for Fridley residents, businesses, and institutions. View the City’s full Energy Action Plan and read below to find out how you can help.

From January 1- February 28, 2021 the City hosted the Wind Up! Challenge to subscribe 50 new households to power their homes with renewable energy through the Windsource program. During the challenge, there were 64 new signs up for the program! Learn more and see the Renewable Energy Champions on the Wind Up! Challenge website. Thank you to our Renewable Energy Champions!

Section 1. Energy Conservation at Home

Section 2. Business Energy Efficiency

Section 3. Faith, Fellowship and Environmental Stewardship

Section 4. Renewable Energy Options

Section 5. Activities for Kids

Section 6. Electric Vehicles

Energy Conservation at Home

Follow these steps to cut costs and increase your home’s efficiency and year-round comfort:

Step 1. Sign up for an Enhanced Home Energy Squad Visit^®
A customized Home Energy Squad visit is the best way to get started saving energy and money at home. Fridley residents are eligible for an enhanced Home Energy Squad at a reduced price through the Fridley HRA. For only $50, a team of energy consultants will come to your home, evaluate your energy savings opportunities, and offer services such as ($600 value):

Installation of free materials such as LED bulbs, a programmable thermostat, door and attic hatch weather stripping, high-efﬁciency showerhead and faucet aerators
Inspection of your attic and wall insulation
Blower door and thermal image testing
A combustion safety test and carbon monoxide check
A customized report with additional recommendations
Access to energy advisors to assist you following through with recommendations
You only pay one flat price for the testing and for everything they install – everything is included.

Free Home Energy Squad visits are available to eligible qualifying residents.

New! Free Virtual Home Energy Squad Visits

CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy are now offering no cost virtual Home Energy Squad visits in addition to discounted in-home visits to meet customers at their comfort level in accordance with current social distancing practices and CDC guidelines. All types of visits count toward the Home Energy Squad visit. During a virtual visit an energy consultant will guide customers on a walk-through assessment of their homes via video chat. Residents will receive energy saving tips to start saving energy right away and recommendations for next steps that may include an in-person visit and the installation of energy saving products at a later date. Sign up here.

Home Energy Squad is provided in partnership between the City of Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy, and delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minnesota nonprofit.

Step 2. Maximize efficiency using available utility programs and rebates

Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy offer programs to increase your home’s efficiency and rebates to help with upfront costs on energy efficient equipment.

Xcel Energy Rebates: Rebates for energy efficient equipment, such as an air conditioner, ground source heat pump, ECM motor as part of a new furnace, or ductless mini-split heat pump.

CenterPoint Energy Rebates: Rebates are available for energy-efficient furnaces, insulation and air sealing, and natural appliances.

Step 3. Use low-cost financing for energy upgrades
Many energy projects pay for themselves quickly due to reduced energy costs; the City of Fridley also offers financing for home improvements – without income qualifications. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000 to fit any size project. Affordable payment terms up to 20 years for 1-4 unit homes.

Visit our financing webpage to learn more.

Business Energy Efficiency

Save Energy- Save Money-Boost Your Bottom Line

The City of Fridley has great tools to help you – energy efficiency and saving money have never been easier.

Step 1. Get a free assessments for lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration upgrades.
Improving lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems are an easy way for businesses to cut costs.

For lighting and HVAC upgrades: The One-Stop Efficiency Shop® is a full-service rebate program that helps building owners choose more efficient equipment. Services include a free assessment, a detailed report with recommendations, savings and financing options, relationship management with the contractor, and submission of the rebate paperwork.

Call 612-244-2427 or visit OneStopEfficiencyShop.org.

For refrigeration upgrades: Refrigeration systems can be the main source of energy use in grocery, liquor, and convenience stores. Xcel Energy offers free on-site refrigeration assessments. Learn how to reduce energy use and receive complimentary energy-saving products on the spot.

Call 612-455-7803 or visit xcelenergy.com/MNRefrigeration.

Step 2. Receive rebates to help your project – and your building – run efficiently
There are energy efficiency opportunities in almost all parts of a commercial building. Utility rebates can make integrating energy efficiency into your project even more cost effective by helping you save money on upfront costs.

Learn more by visiting xcelenergy.com/Business and centerpointenergy.com/Business.

Step 3. Need a deeper dive into your energy use?
Schedule an Xcel Energy Turn Key Services assessment. This full-service program includes an on-site energy assessment and free implementation services to help your business make energy efficiency improvements.

Call 855-839-8862 or visit xcelenergy.com/TurnKey.

Starting a large project? Get special help for free before you start a major renovation or new construction
For new construction or renovation projects, contact Xcel Energy before the start of your construction to ensure you’re receiving the money-saving rebates, free services, and upfront incentives available for your business.

Visit xcelenergy.com/NewBusinessConstruction.

Faith, Fellowship, and Environmental Stewardship

Congregations like yours are trusted leaders who are essential to our community sustainability goals. Fridley invites you to be a leader in faith, fellowship, and environmental stewardship.

Step 1. Form a green team
Green teams are a great way to promote environmental stewardship in your worship facility and with your congregation. Here are some tips on forming a team:

Establish a purpose: Is the green team’s focus increasing sustainability in the worship facility or promoting environmental stewardship to the congregants? Both?
Find a champion: Identify someone who will help lead this effort and offer valuable insight.
Solicit interest: Solicit interest using a bulletin or newsletter to see if any congregants are interested
Form the team: Use an existing small group or committee structure – don’t recreate the wheel.
Set goals: Work with your champion or other interested congregants to understand the purpose of the green team. Setting goals or milestones can help focus the group on what activities they do in their first few months of formation.

The City of Fridley is here to help. Contact Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner with the City of Fridley for materials or general questions. Contact Rachel by phone at 763-572-3594 or email Rachel.Workin@FridleyMN.gov.

Step 2. Sign up for a free assessment
EnerChange offers a free walk-through assessment for nonprofits that includes a total building review and tailored recommendations for energy-saving improvements in your worship facility. EnerChange also helps identify financing options.

Call 952-562-8697 or visit enerchange.org.

Step 3. Use rebates to save on up-front costs
Utilities offer a variety of rebates to help make the decision to upgrade easier. From LED lighting to heating and cooling or food service equipment, it’s cost-effective to make your worship facility more energy efficient.

Learn more by visiting xcelenergy.com/Business and centerpointenergy.com/Business.

Looking for inspiration from others?
Check out these case studies from other congregations about what actions they took towards energy stewardship.

Renewable Energy Options

You can decrease your carbon footprint and support solar and wind energy production.There are different opportunities for residents, businesses, and nonprofits to source some or all of their energy from renewable sources:

Renewable Energy Subscriptions: Renewable energy subscriptions are a great opportunity to access renewable energy without installing equipment on your home or building.

Xcel Energy’s Windsource®: Xcel Energy’s Windsource is a renewable energy subscription program that allows customers to source some or all of their electricity from wind energy. Sign up at xcelenergy.com/Windsource.
Community Solar Gardens: Subscribe to renewable energy with a community solar garden. You will receive a monthly bill credit based on how large your subscription amount is. Use CleanEnergyProjectBuilder.org to find a garden operator and a list of questions to ask before subscribing.

On-site Renewable Energy: You can power your buildings with solar energy by installing solar panels directly on your home or building. The University of Minnesota has a solar suitability analysis that can help determine if your home is in the right location. Your rooftop solar panels can be installed on any Fridley residence with the necessary building permits. Check out the checklist below which will walk you through the process.

Download the checklist

Activities for Kids

Energy is all around us- use the resources on this page to learn about energy around your home and your world!

Make your own energy pinwheel

Energy coloring sheet

Do an energy scavenger hunt

Energy scavenger hunt - ANSWER KEY

Visit the energy classroom for more fun activities and lesson plans.

Electric Vehicles

Many drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles. Here are some reasons why you should consider going electric:

Public charging options are more readily available and growing.
They’re less expensive to fuel because electricity prices are cheaper than gas.
Less greenhouse gas emissions, especially as the electric grid is made from more renewable soruces
Reduced maintenance costs saves money on oil changes, tune-ups, and parts.
Federal tax credits, local vehicle incentives, and a growing inventory of used vehicles help make EVs more affordable.
They’re smooth-shifting with powerful acceleration and a quiet motor

Charging your Electric Vehicle

Visit Xcel Energy’s electric vehicles resource page for simple steps to make sure you’re ready to charge your vehicle at home or on the go. Depending on the amount you drive, a standard wall plug may be sufficient. If you're looking for a faster charge, an electrician can help install a 240-volt outlet.

You Can Charge With Clean Energy

You have the option to get some or all of your energy from renewable sources. Xcel Energy’s Windsource^® gives you the option to pay a little extra every month to get as much wind energy as you want to fuel your vehicle. To get more info and complete the online application, visit Xcel Energy’s Windsource page.

Did you know there's an EV fast-charger in Fridley?

Check out this map to find a place to plug in.