Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign up for Community Energy Services?
Community Energy Services is currently available to all Minneapolis owner-occupied single family, duplex, triplex and four-plex households. Community Energy Service is not currently available to homeowners outside the City of Minneapolis.
Is Community Energy Services a utility program?
Funding to provide Community Energy Services to Minneapolis homeowners comes from multiple sources, including local utility providers Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, as well as the City of Minneapolis.
The Center for Energy and Environment, a Minneapolis nonprofit, administers and staffs the Community Energy Services program.
Will I get all the materials listed installed at my home visit?
We know that every house has different opportunities, which is why Community Energy Services is not a cookie cutter program. Each home visit will be different based on your needs and interests, including which materials are installed. If you already have certain products, we may not install them and choose to spend more time on diagnostics or helping you plan next steps.
Is the Community Energy Services Home Energy Visit the same thing as an energy audit from a utility?
The Community Energy Services Home Energy Visit is similar to the energy audits provided by utilities - however, it differs in several ways.
- The CES visit is an hour and a half long, while some utility audits can take up to four or five hours to complete.
- The Community Energy Services home visit is performed by two energy experts, while most utility audits are performed by one professional. This allows us to keep our visits short and provide personal attention as well as more complicated diagnostic tests at the same time.
- Our energy experts will install energy saving materials during the Community Energy Services home visit, so you will start saving energy that day.
- If our energy experts find opportunities for further saving in your home through insulation and air sealing, or new heating equipment, we can give you an idea of how much your project may cost, provide you with a list of qualified contractors who can help complete the work, assist with utility rebates and help connect you with low-interest financing for home improvements.
- Community Energy Services also provides a year of customized home energy reports after your home visit.
Can I still participate if I am unable to pay the co-pay?
Community Energy Services can provide a Financial Hardship Waiver for participants who are unable to pay the co-pay due to change in employment status, recent change in family circumstances or income level. This form is available at the Community Energy Serices presentations in every Minneapolis neighborhood.
If I've had a utility audit in the past, will I still benefit from Community Energy Services?
Even if you have had a utility audit performed on your home in the past, Community Energy Services can still be a useful program to help reduce energy costs and connect with other resources. If you have completed any energy improvements on your home since your utility audit - especially air sealing or insulation - then Community Energy Services can check to make sure that your installed measures are actually saving energy.