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Conserving Energy

The city has provided and created a number of resources for residents, businesses, and public and nonprofit organizations. 

  1. Residents
  2. Businesses

Home Energy Guide

In 2018, the Minnesota Department of Commerce published a Home Energy Guide (PDF) that provides steps to decrease energy use and achieve energy efficiency. The guide offers practical tips that range from simple behavior changes to larger energy-related investments.

Weatherization Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help save energy and make sure your home is a healthy and safe place to live. Weatherization services could help decrease your annual energy costs by up to 30 percent. 

Programs and Rebates

Xcel Energy offers a variety of rebate options for homeowners, including rebates for heating and cooling and appliances.

Xcel Energy’s Windsource

Windsource® is a program that allows Xcel Energy customers to pay a little extra every month to get some or all of their energy from renewable resources. As one of the nation’s largest voluntary renewable energy programs, Windsource is an easy, inexpensive way to make a difference. Thanks to Windsource customers, the amount of renewable energy produced today is above and beyond government requirements and continues to grow.

Home Energy Squad

The Home Energy Squad provides on the spot energy-saving installations and an energy audit, all in one visit! How does it work? The Home Energy Squad crew will assess your home’s efficiency using thermal imaging and blower door technology. Once completed, you’ll receive a list of specific energy-saving steps recommended for your home along with their expected costs and savings potential. The crew will also work with you to identify the best energy-saving measures for your home on the spot and will install these energy-efficient items for you.

Xcel Energy’s Refrigerator Recycling

Got an old refrigerator or freezer running in your basement or garage? Consider recycling your working refrigerator or freezer for free! Xcel Energy will pick it up and recycle it for you. On top of that convenient offer, you can also earn a $35 cash rebate, plus you will receive two CFLs just for letting us make the effort.

Find Solar Installers & Community Solar Providers

Clean Energy Resource Teams has put together a directory of solar installers to help with your next project and community solar providers offering subscriptions.  

Solar Financing

The Center for Energy and Environment offers low-interest loans for homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of their homes using photovoltaic (PV) solar technology.

Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards Community

The Solar*Rewards Community program allows customers the opportunity to support the solar development nearby solar gardens, without the hassle of installing panels on the residence or business.  

Solar Suitability Map

This solar suitability map by the U of M helps residents and businesses determine their property’s solar photovoltaic (PV) system potential. This interactive map allows you to click on any property in Red Wing for information on the recommended size and predicted output of a solar energy system based on the analysis of shading, roof pitch, and size. Type in your address and learn if your home or building is suitable for solar.

Installation Requirements

Electric Vehicles

Many drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). To learn more about EVs please visit the following websites:

Drive Electric MN: Learn about the benefits of Electric Vehicles along with Common EV Myths.

PlugInConnect : The latest "Midwest EV Info List"

MN EV Owners: MN Electric Vehicle Owners provides a forum for MN plug-in vehicle (BEV and PHEV) owners to connect, share their experiences and learn more about EV related topics.

MN EV Owners Facebook Page

Xcel Energy: Electric Vehicle 101 explains the benefits of EVs, such as gas savings, maintenance savings, tax credits, and emissions reductions.    

Xcel Energy: Use the Electric Vehicle Advisor to help find the EV models that best fit your lifestyle and use a calculator to estimate potential savings and environmental benefits. 

Electric Vehicle Charging at home

Over 80% of electric vehicle charging happens at home. To learn more about how easy it is to charge your electric vehicle at home please visit the following websites: