Electricity and the Environment: How can Minnesota Citizens Make a Difference?

How does My Household Use of Electricity Compare?

Add up your past 12 months of electric usage in kilowatts hours (kWh) and divide by 12 – then compare this to the average Minnesota household's usage.

My Household _________ kWh

Minnesota Average: 700 kWh

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a new Web site that allows you to estimate your household's contribution to emissions from electricity generation. Visit the EPA's Clean Energy Power Profiler Web page.

Choose Energy Efficiency

It may not seem like using a different kind of light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet will do much good, but with these easy ways to save energy, you'll notice a difference - and make a difference!

1. Do a home energy audit. These surveys analyze how and why you use energy at home, and show you easy ways to conserve. Check to see if your utility offers home energy audits.
2. Seal air leaks and weatherize doors and windows. A few inexpensive tubes of caulk, foam sealant, and weatherstripping can increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
3. Check your mechanical systems annually. Keep water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, ventilation systems, and gas fireplaces tuned-up for efficient operation. Clean or replace  filters in your furnace and central air conditioner every month for increased operating efficiency and longer life.
4. When replacing old equipment, consider newer high efficiency options. Look for the ENERGYSTAR label on appliances and electronics – these products use less energy than standard products.
5. Install a programmable thermostat. These devices automatically lower the room temperature while you're sleeping or away from home.
6. Plant a tree. One well-placed shade tree can reduce the need for air conditioning energy.
7. Switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs or LEDs (light emitting diodes). They last longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs, and they use less energy. CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury and require proper disposal, however it is less mercury than would be emitted by a coal-fired power plant to light an incandescent bulb for the same amount of time.
8. Install a water-saving showerhead. You will save energy by heating less water and also save water. You can use less energy if you wash clothes in cold water and turn down your water heater to 120 degrees.
9. Turn appliances off. Standby modes on televisions, stereos, computers and battery chargers continue to draw power if not fully turned off. Unplug chargers and use outlet switches to turn off entertainment systems and other equipment when not in use.
10. Use smaller kitchen appliances whenever possible. Microwaves, toaster ovens and slow cookers can use 75 percent less energy than a large electric oven.
11. Get rid of that extra refrigerator or freezer. It could be adding more than $100 to your electric bill every year.
12. Give your appliances a vacation too. Before you leave on a trip, turn off and unplug everything you can, and set your water heater to the lowest setting.

Remember Rebates – many utilities offer various rebate options for the purchase of energy efficient applicances.
For more information, visit the Office of Energy Security - Efficiency Web page.

Wind Power Options for Utility Customers

One way a customer can make a difference is through the purchase of renewable energy, such as wind power. Wind power production emits no air pollutants. Minnesota, especially southwestern Minnesota, has some of the best wind resources in the nation. Information about purchasing green power is available at: Buy Green Power

Under the following programs, wind power purchased is not transferred directly to your home. Instead, the additional surcharge is used to offset costs associated with developing and generating electricity from wind and other renewable sources. At this time, building new wind turbines costs more per kilowatt-hour than using power plants that already have been built. Your participation in these programs contributes to the development and increased use of renewable energy sources.

• Alliant Energy Second Nature – Customers may elect to purchase a percentage of their monthly kilowatt-hour usage as renewable energy. To sign-up or for additional information, visit the Alliant Energy Web site or call 1-800-255-4268.
• Dakota Electric Wellspring – Wind energy may be purchased in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks. To sign-up or for additional information, visit the Dakota Electric Web site. or call 651-463-6212.
• Minnesota Power WindSense – Wind energy may be purchased in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks. To sign-up or for additional information, visit the Minnesota Power Web site or call 1-800-228-4966.
• Otter Tail Power TailWinds – Wind energy may be purchased in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks. To sign-up or for additional information, visit the Otter Tail Power Company Web site or call 1-800-493-3299.
• Xcel Energy Windsource – Wind energy may be purchased in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks or customers may elect to purchase 100% Windsource. To sign-up or for additional information, visit the Xcel Energy Web site or call 1-800-895-4999.
  For more information refer to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Web site on Wind Energy.