Looking Back: Top blog posts of 2020
Posted by Dana Rider | Date December 18, 2020
It almost goes without saying: 2020 was not the year any of us expected.
All of us, across sectors and jobs, had to make some adjustments to our lives to account for the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite many adjustments, CEE’s staff kept their noses to the proverbial grindstone, always pursing innovation and the most effective energy solutions in our research, programs, policy, and lending. Here are some highlights from a year that still managed to be action packed, even though most of us were working from home:
CEE rung in the new year by announcing our updated strategic plan, developed with input from board and staff over the previous year. This post details the process and outcomes, including our mission, priorities, and values for 2020 and beyond.
During Energy Awareness Month, CEE’s director of residential programs explored the topic of energy burden — the amount of your paycheck that goes toward utility bills — and the programs and offerings CEE has in place to help alleviate energy burden for low-income homeowners and renters.
Although the ECO Act did not make it to a final vote at the 2020 Minnesota Legislature, CEE Policy Director Mike Bull’s blog on its importance is an insightful read. We are hopeful to see ECO passed in 2021.
A virtual offering had been on the to-do list for Home Energy Squad for a long time, and in response to COVID-19, staff were able to make it happen on a quick turnaround. This post explains the whys and hows of getting a free virtual home energy audit — you can schedule yours today!
Unsurprisingly, our most popular post was about COVID-19. This post outlines each department’s approach to controlling the spread of the virus and keeping our staff and community safe. Additional safety measures have since been put in place for field staff.
Beyond our “top five,” honorable mentions for a few more particularly relevant posts:
This group of posts offers a quick glance into a complicated period of time in both CEE’s history and the world’s. We have learned many lessons and are still digesting others — and we will carry the important parts of this year into the next, with a continued drive for excellence in our programs, research, loans, and more.
We look forward to sharing our work to strengthen the economy and improve the environment in 2021!