Community energy "blitzes"

Eagle Lake, MN: “We had an outreach event on May 23, 2022. We purchased $1,000 energy efficiency items through the grant. We partnered with BENCO electric utility and Minnesota Valley Action Council CAP for additional energy efficiency items. Each unit received a giveaway bag worth $80. There were six sign-ups for Home Energy Squad visits from CenterPoint Energy. 16 units came to the outreach event and we hand-delivered bags to the remaining units in the community.”

Mora, MN: “We had an outreach event on October 11, 2022. We purchased $1,300 energy efficiency items through the grant. We partnered with Mora Municipal Utility, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Minnesota Energy Resources, Center for Energy & Environment, and Lakes and Pines Community Action Program for additional energy efficiency items and programs.”
 

“[The projects] served the residents of Regency of Minnesota manufactured home parks. It served them in the way that a lot of them are lower-income households and given the fact that manufactured homes are considered affordable housing, the giveaway items are things they need but probably wouldn't purchase because of tight funds. It gives them energy-saving ideas and supplies.

“We learned that people really do need or want the cost-saving ideas for energy in their home, but they don't always know who to reach out to. This is probably the biggest takeaway we got from the residents. Having this event in the community gave the residents the opportunity to not only receive items that would help them save on bills in their home, but also had the chance to ask people directly questions they needed answered from folks who know about home energy issues. This put information at residents' fingertips. 

“What others might find in working with manufactured home parks is that seniors might not be comfortable coming out to an outreach event/table and being around a bunch of people. So, it is good to have the option of a more personalized visit ('if you can't attend the event, call... and we can come by individually'). To do this work, you almost need both approaches — a gathering and door-to-door — to reach people. It works for people that are away at jobs as well.”

"We would like to have this event again, yearly, if possible. This program/event was fantastic. Weatherizing, cost saving ideas, energy efficient items — any resources that I can give the tenants makes everything better, makes it easier for the tenants. A lot of these homes are old homes. The heat tape information is critical. And maybe that is something that is looked into for a future event — either providing those supplies or giving stipends for purchasing those items. The water break and damage to a water heater are critical issues."