By Colin Mahoney The Inflation Reduction Act has provided plenty of incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, but you may not realize that some tax credits are geared toward weatherizing your home. Examples include insulation, air sealing, and ventilation, as well as windows and doors. Weatherization projects and electrical panel upgrades have a total project cap… Continue reading.
BY JOSH DURBIN Electric cooperatives are transforming how they plan to meet energy demands to account for more renewables, such as solar and wind, powering the energy grid. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., known as MISO, manages high-voltage electricity transmission in 15 central U.S. states and Manitoba in Canada. MISO has updated planning requirements… Continue reading.
By Andy Sommer A quick trip through the aisles of your local hardware store will reveal a steadily increasing array of all-electric tools: chainsaws, lawnmowers, drills and more. These options are just a part of the landscape of beneficial electrification. But what does “beneficial electrification” mean? The concept is not new, but the current emphasis… Continue reading.
By Brian Hawk Many homeowners may one day have a home backup power source parked in their garage — that is the same vehicle driving them around town. As automakers release more EV models, the technology contained in them is growing more sophisticated. Electric vehicles are increasingly built with larger batteries that can travel longer… Continue reading.
By Sandy Cason While electric vehicles are collectively trying to find a foothold with individual consumers, there’s at least one EV market that seems to be firing on all cylinders. That would be electric school buses, which are expected to have a growth rate of nearly 34% over the next five years, according to industry… Continue reading.
By Matt Strahl Many homeowners can benefit from an audit designed to keep money in their wallets. An energy audit is an in-depth review and analysis of energy use in a home. The energy auditor will use an infrared camera to find “hot and cold spots,” and possibly include a blower door test to measure… Continue reading.
By Joe Spear A home upgrade that lowers the cost to heat your water may also help you save on your taxes next year. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress last year, includes incentives for homeowners to make qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. The act includes a tax credit to upgrade to a heat pump water heater… Continue reading.
By Chelsi Jackson It may not have happened yet, but sooner or later, you’re going to see electric vehicle charging stations popping up where there were none before. When they do, odds are it will be part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program that was created by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law… Continue reading.
by Staci Montgomery For those considering the installation of solar energy at home, there is plenty of information — and misinformation — floating around. To get to the bottom of it all, the one thing any prospective solar owner should do is contact their local electric cooperative. There are a host of reasons why, but… Continue reading.
by TJ Garner A few tax changes passed last year might cause you to turn your head — toward the local car dealership. The Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year includes tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles. People who may be interested in buying an EV could be in for a… Continue reading.
by Brian Reynolds With inflation driving costs higher on multiple fronts, including energy, finding ways to save money is crucial in the current economy. There are two ways to go about home energy savings — energy efficiency and energy conservation. The two are often confused as the same thing, but there are important distinctions. Energy… Continue reading.
by Matt Walters Electric heat pumps have been around for a long time, and they’re among the most efficient and comfortable ways to heat and cool your home. But now there’s something even better — and it can save you big dollars on your heating bills every winter. Plus, with rebates offered by many local… Continue reading.
By Jordy Smith It’s the most wonderful time of the year… until you get December’s utility bill. What happened? Consider this: More family members are home from work or school, colder temperatures require more heat, there’s lots of cooking for work and family get-togethers and last, but not least, holiday decorations are shining brightly. When… Continue reading.
