City of Maplewood tackles energy burden in its neighborhoods

People from low-income households are more likely to pay a higher percentage of their annual income towards energy bills. This burden is often intensified by financial barriers that limit access to energy efficient lighting, appliances, and insulation. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy defines energy burden as households paying 6% or more of their income towards energy costs. In Maplewood, over 6% of households qualify under this definition. The city targeted Beaver Lake Estates, Town and Country Estates, and Rolling Hills manufactured home parks to reach residents likely experiencing energy burden.

Clean Energy for All aims to connect manufactured home park residents in Maplewood with energy efficiency resources through several partnerships. The city partnered with Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to offer energy bill clinics which help residents understand their bills and find ways to reduce energy use, as well as identify programs and rebates to save money. On average, the clinics helped customers save $150 in the first year in energy costs, based on pre-pandemic data.

Maplewood also collaborated with Xcel Energy to conduct Home Energy Squad visits. Xcel created this program as part of its residential services to identify places where households use (or lose) energy. The team of energy experts help install energy efficient LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and weatherstripping for free for qualifying households. Through Maplewood’s extensive outreach and events, they were able to sign up 31 households for energy audits.

As part of Clean Energy for All, the City of Maplewood commissioned a study by energy and climate consultants at paleBLUEdot. The study includes research on ways to mitigate energy burdens for households with low-middle incomes. It also includes suggestions for Maplewood’s future low-income climate action plan, such as starting pilot projects for energy efficiency cost share and efficient fuel-switching programs. They also suggest state-sponsored community solar garden development. There are exciting developments going on in Maplewood to help all communities reap the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency.