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Energy Partners Can Help Duluth Advance in National Energy Prize Competition

Visit the Energy Tent at Harvest Fest in Bayfront Park

[Duluth, MN] - The City of Duluth is still in the running for the Georgetown University Energy Prize Competition. As one of the 50 semi-finalists in the country, Duluth is poised for advancement in this competition and citywide energy conservation achievements with its multitude of resources and programs that are easily accessible to Duluth residents and businesses. The community is encouraged to learn more and participate by attending the Harvest Fest this Saturday at Bayfront Festival Park.   

A strong partnership among the City of Duluth, Comfort Systems, Ecolibrium3, Minnesota Power and the CITIZENS of Duluth will help secure Duluth’s rankings among other cities. Small changes by every resident can make a huge impact. The upcoming Harvest Fest on September 12 will feature the return of the Energy Tent that will include fun interactive activities including an energy-saving obstacle course, energy kit prizes provided by Minnesota Power and ComfortSystems, energy-saving super hero cut-outs, and a window cling contest. In addition the tent will be filled with organizations focused on providing educational resources on energy efficiency and renewable energy.  Anyone can sign up to receive ongoing information.

Duluth residents can take simple and no-to-low cost actions to save money and conserve energy in their homes:

•  Turn down water heater to 120 degrees: the cost to heat water with natural gas is typically 25% of a residential customer’s annual natural gas bill. Turning your water heater from 130 to 120 degrees can save you approximately 4% of the annual cost to heat the water in your home.

• Change light bulbs: the average cost of running a 60-watt incandescent light bulb for 8 hours a day is about $1.32/month. By switching out just one 60-watt incandescent bulb with one LED, you can save about $1.12/month. With MN Power rebates available on LED bulbs, the payback on this is huge and the overall impact is as well.

•  Plug the leaks: close and lock windows, use expanding foam around gaps created by plumbing, electrical & vent openings to the out of doors, etc.: Air leakage can account for 20% or more of the heat loss in your home. Sealing the leaks will save money and make your home more comfortable.

Anyone who would like to share their inspiring stories about energy conservation is encouraged to contact Ecolibrium3 at (218) 336-1038.  

Follow the progress on Facebook at Duluth Energy Wins, Tweet @Duluth_Energy and visit the website: www.duluthenergy.org for more ideas and to find out what we can do next as a community to save energy and to share energy savings stories.

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