Summer of Savings!

Week 5: Power Up Your Savings with Energy Wise Programs!

Energy Wise Benefits

Taking advantage of special rates offered by your utility can help you better manage energy use and could provide savings on your power bill. If you participate, your benefits will vary depending on which version of the programs you are on – unmetered or metered.

Unmetered programs: Cooling and water heating products are cycled during high-demand energy times. You can enroll for free online.

Water Heaters – save $7 per month. This program is year-round.
Cooling programs with Cycled AC (AC10 program) or Wi-Fi Thermostat – receive a 10% discount on your electric bill from June through September.
No other items qualify for this program and must be on a metered program.

Metered programs: You hire an electrician to physically install qualifying products to a dedicated electric meter on your home with MVEC metering equipment.

Metered programs qualify for “Off-Peak” Electric Rates, which are approximately 50% less than General Service rates.
Electric space heat
Electric water heat
Air conditioning
Water pumps

Available programs

Energy tips for all year-round

Energy Wise Programs – join an Energy Wise Program and see savings with bill credits and reduced electric rates.
Monitor your energy use with SmartHub to spot trends and sudden changes.
Identify areas in your home where efficiency improvements can be made with the free My EnergyXpert Audit Tool.
Schedule seasonal tune-ups for your furnace and air conditioner.
Close off rooms not in use, turn down thermostat settings in the winter, and turn it up a couple of degrees in the summer.
Reduce hot water use by installing low-flow showerheads and aerators. Hot water use can account for 30-40 percent of household electrical usage. If your water tank is located in a cold space, be sure to wrap the tank.
Install energy-efficient lamps and fixtures in areas of your home where usage is three hours per day or more. LED bulbs are currently the most efficient.

Week 4's question was: An AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP can replace your A.C. and keep you warm in mild cold weather.

Answer: True

WEEK 4 Winner

Marianne Reuvers of Prior Lake!

Win weekly prizes by participating in weekly trivia. Each week winners will be drawn randomly from those who respond. Even if you don't win immediately, each participation earns you additional entries for our grand prizes, including a mini convection stove, a garage heater, and a Wi-Fi Thermostat.