Energy

The City of Fridley’s Energy Goals

By 2030, we will reduce community energy use 20 percent.

You can help us get there!

The City of Fridley is participating in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program to reduce the community’s energy use and help residents save money. The city and its energy team, comprised of residents, businesses and local institutions developed an Energy Action Plan that set energy goals for Fridley residents, businesses, and institutions. View the City’s full Energy Action Plan(PDF, 1MB) and read below to find out how you can help.

Residential Energy Conservation

Help us reduce our community’s energy use and save money on your utility bills by taking these steps:

Step 1. Understand Your Energy Use

Understand your home's energy use with a Home Energy Squad (HES) visit. HES is an on-site personalized home energy assessment from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. During your visit, the energy team will identify ways for you save energy and perform on the spot energy upgrades. The Fridley HRA pays for half of the cost of all visits, and visits may be free for income qualified customers. Residents who receive an HES visit are also eligible for the City's insulation rebate. Learn more and sign up online.

You can also better understand your utility bills with through a call-in utility bill clinic with the Citizen's Utility Board. They'll be able to walk you through the different line items on your bill and identify opportunities to save.

Step 2. Maximize efficiency using available utility programs and rebates

There are a number of financial programs to make your project more affordable:

Xcel Energy Rebates: Rebates for energy efficient equipment, such as an air conditioner, ground source heat pump, ECM motor as part of a new furnace, or ductless mini-split heat pump.

CenterPoint Energy Rebates: Rebates are available for energy-efficient furnaces, insulation and air sealing, and natural appliances.

The City's insulation rebate which will match CenterPoint's rebate up to $500

Federal tax credits and rebates are available for a number of projects including:

  • Home Energy Audits
  • Heat pumps
  • Exterior doors
  • Insulation materials
  • Solar array systems
  • Associated electrical panel upgrades

Step 3. Use low-cost financing for energy upgrades

Many energy projects pay for themselves quickly due to reduced energy costs; the City of Fridley also offers financing for home improvements – without income qualifications. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000 to fit any size project. Affordable payment terms up to 20 years for 1-4 unit homes.

Visit our financing webpage to learn more.

Business Energy Efficiency

Save Energy- Save Money-Boost Your Bottom Line

The City of Fridley has great tools to help you – energy efficiency and saving money have never been easier.

Step 1. Get a free assessments for lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration upgrades.

Improving lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems are an easy way for businesses to cut costs.

For lighting and HVAC upgrades: The One-Stop Efficiency Shop® is a full-service rebate program that helps building owners choose more efficient equipment. Services include a free assessment, a detailed report with recommendations, savings and financing options, relationship management with the contractor, and submission of the rebate paperwork.

Call 612-244-2427 or visit OneStopEfficiencyShop.org.

For refrigeration upgrades: Refrigeration systems can be the main source of energy use in grocery, liquor, and convenience stores. Xcel Energy offers free on-site refrigeration assessments. Learn how to reduce energy use and receive complimentary energy-saving products on the spot.

Call 612-455-7803 or visit xcelenergy.com/MNRefrigeration.

Step 2. Receive rebates to help your project – and your building – run efficiently

There are energy efficiency opportunities in almost all parts of a commercial building. Utility rebates can make integrating energy efficiency into your project even more cost effective by helping you save money on upfront costs.

Learn more by visiting xcelenergy.com/Business and centerpointenergy.com/Business.

Step 3. Need a deeper dive into your energy use?

Schedule an Xcel Energy Turn Key Services assessment. This full-service program includes an on-site energy assessment and free implementation services to help your business make energy efficiency improvements.

Call 855-839-8862 or visit xcelenergy.com/TurnKey.

Starting a large project? Get special help for free before you start a major renovation or new construction

For new construction or renovation projects, contact Xcel Energy before the start of your construction to ensure you’re receiving the money-saving rebates, free services, and upfront incentives available for your business.

Visit xcelenergy.com/NewBusinessConstruction.

Renewable Energy

You can decrease your carbon footprint and support solar and wind energy production. There are different opportunities for residents, businesses, and nonprofits to source some or all of their energy from renewable sources:

Renewable Energy Subscriptions

Renewable energy subscriptions are a great opportunity to access renewable energy without installing equipment on your home or building.

  • Xcel Energy’s Renewable Connect program is a renewable energy subscription program that allows customers to source some or all of their electricity from wind and solar energy. Sign up at online with Xcel Energy..
  • Community Solar Gardens: Subscribe to renewable energy with a community solar garden. You will receive a monthly bill credit based on how large your subscription amount is. Use CERT's Solar Garden Directory to find a garden operator and a list of questions to ask before subscribing.

On-site Renewable Solar Energy

The City of Fridley is committed to encouraging the use of solar power as an efficient and cost-saving alternative to fossil fuels. Please visit the solar page to learn more about the solar installation process, financing options, and requirements for solar energy systems in Fridley.

Electric Vehicles

Many drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles. Here are some reasons why you should consider going electric:

  • Public charging options are more readily available and growing.
  • They’re less expensive to fuel because electricity prices are cheaper than gas.
  • Less greenhouse gas emissions, especially as the electric grid is made from more renewable sources
  • Reduced maintenance costs saves money on oil changes, tune-ups, and parts.
  • Federal tax credits, local vehicle incentives, and a growing inventory of used vehicles help make EVs more affordable.
  • They’re smooth-shifting with powerful acceleration and a quiet motor

Charging your Electric Vehicle

Visit Xcel Energy’s electric vehicles resource page for simple steps to make sure you’re ready to charge your vehicle at home or on the go. Depending on the amount you drive, a standard wall plug may be sufficient. If you're looking for a faster charge, an electrician can help install a 240-volt outlet.

Come Charge at the Civic Campus

Check out this map to find a place to plug in. There is a Level 2 Charger available for use in the 71st Avenue parking lot at the Fridley Civic Campus.