Golden Valley Implements City’s First-Ever Energy Action Plan
The city of Golden Valley recently implemented its first comprehensive Energy Action Plan with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next 10 years. If fully implemented, the plan could save the city, residents and businesses $8.8 million in energy costs the first year alone, according to an estimate from Xcel Energy.
“This is an important step on the part of the city to address the rising concerns we have around climate change and how we as citizens here in Golden Valley can make a difference,” said Golden Valley City Council member Larry Fonnest.
As part of that plan, the Golden Valley City Council approved an agreement Tuesday authorizing Home Energy Squad visits. The visits, administered by Twin Cities nonprofit Center for Energy and Environment and offered to Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers, provide inspections and installations to reduce energy costs.
Under the program, Golden Valley would pay at least half the costs for the visits, which range from $70 to $100 depending on the level of inspection. Residents who meet certain income requirements would have costs covered.
Cost chart provided by city of Golden Valley
Residents can receive help on installing programmable thermostats, weather stripping, and water-efficient faucet aerators and showerheads. More advanced inspections include a blower door test to check for air leaks and inspection of insulation levels with use of an infrared camera.
The city will also soon award a contract for its new organics recycling program, which starts Jan. 1.
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