Category: Community

NOW IS THE TIME!

NOW IS THE TIME to install solar and take advantage of current Renewable Energy Tax Credits before Iowa net metering changes or federal tax credits expire. Farms and rural businesses are also eligible to apply for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant funds to offset 25% of their project cost.

Learn about renewable energy tax credits for homes, farms, and businesses:

IOWA: Go Solar Now!

Starting this June 2025 homeowners and renters can request free installation of energy-saving measures when they sign up for Bill Savers, a new program for Winneshiek County residents offered by the Winneshiek Energy District. 

A Bill Savers appointment takes less than 30 minutes and includes the installation of energy saving equipment including LED light bulbs, hot water pipe insulation, low flow faucet aerators, and more. Appointments are available for Saturday, June 21 and Saturday June 28 from 9am to 1pm.  Sign up at energydistrict.org/billsavers/ or call 563-382-4207 ext. 1 to schedule an appointment. 

“The idea grew out of a community member’s passion for energy affordability. When we looked at rising energy prices combined with the potential loss of funding for programs like the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), we knew we had to do something to keep energy bills affordable in our community.” says Winneshiek Energy District Executive Director Kristin Eggen. “Our mission includes increasing energy efficiency in Winneshiek County, so the idea was a perfect fit.” 

The Bill Savers Home Install program is made possible by volunteers of all ages and abilities who spend a Saturday morning swapping light bulbs and saving their neighbors energy.  To volunteer, email Rorie Weidow at rorie@energydistrict.org or call 563-382-4207 ext. 1. 

 “It is a practical way to make a difference in your community and meet new people.  Nobody wants their heat shut off because they can’t pay their bills,” says Bill Savers champion & volunteer Joel Zook.

“Bill Savers won’t instantly solve unaffordable bills, but it will help people – especially our  neighbors who are unable to perform these installs themselves –  have more affordable bills and a comfortable home.” says Eggen.  

The Bill Savers program is modeled after the Winneshiek Energy District’s longtime Green Iowa AmeriCorps First Step Home Efficiency program which employed a team of AmeriCorps volunteers to perform free energy audits across northeast Iowa and perform similar direct installation of energy-saving measures. From 2012-2023 the First Step Efficiency Program saved northeast Iowans an estimated $1.7 million in energy costs, and avoided over 14,000 tons of carbon emissions. 

Donations can be made to support the Bill Savers program at energydistrict.org/donate/ or checks mailed to Winneshiek Energy District, PO Box 14, Decorah, IA 52101.

The Winneshiek Energy District is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to lead, implement, and accelerate the locally owned, inclusive clean energy transition in Winneshiek County Iowa. 

Meet Rorie! Rorie is a Junior studying Business Administration with an emphasis on Energy Management and a minor in Environment and Sustainability at Western Colorado University! A Decorah native, Rorie joined the Winneshiek Energy District team as WED’s summer 2025 Clean Energy Outreach Intern. She is excited to work within the community to promote energy and climate stewardship, and learn everything there is to know about non-profit energy districts! 

Upon graduation, she hopes to work in the energy industry, bringing a passion for promoting environmentalism and community engagement to the modern energy sector. Welcome, Rorie!