Seminars and Workshops

Neighborhood Energy Challenge | Community Education Classes | Building Operator Certification II (BOC II)


RPU and Minnesota Energy Resources have teamed up with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer Rochester homeowners the Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC), a full-service residential energy audit program.

The Neighborhood Energy Challenge includes:

  1. Free Energy Workshop. Attendance to our free "Saving Energy 101" workshop is mandatory to participate in the program – and a great opportunity to learn new no- or low- cost strategies to stop energy waste, all while visiting with your neighbors. Free childcare is provided.
  2. Home Visit and Materials. At the workshop you will have the opportunity to sign up for a Home Visit, where our crews of energy professionals will visit your home for an hour and a half to run diagnostic tests (like a blower door to test air leaks), install energy-saving materials, and find your home's best opportunities for saving energy and reducing your utility bills.
  3. Help With Next Steps. If our crews find an opportunity for significant savings through installing additional insulation, attic air sealing, or replacing old heating equipment, we can make the next steps easy by connecting you with qualified contractors, financing, incentives, and rebates.

The Home Visit, Materials, and Recommendations are all included in a one-time $40 fee.

Materials provided may include:

  • High-efficiency showerhead
  • High-efficiency faucet aerators
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs (four styles)
  • Gasket seals
  • Safety caps
  • Pipe insulation

Workshop Dates

  • Check back for future NEC workshops!

Reserve your spot at the workshop by contacting Ashley Robertson at 888.734.6365 or arobertson@mncee.org

2013 Community Education Classes

Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Whether you are building a new home or considering a new heating and cooling system for your present one, consider the economic and environmental advantages of geothermal technology. It is the world's most advanced, most cost-effective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for new or existing homes. This class will provide you with geothermal basics: what it does and how it works. It uses the ground as a heating and cooling source-learn how. Geothermal heating and cooling systems can provide greater comfort and energy savings. Find out information on federal tax credits and Rochester Public Utilities' installation incentives. Cosponsored with Rochester Public Utilities (RPU). Instructor: Arnie Lorimor.

Date: TBD (check back in the fall for additional 2013-2014 dates)
Time:
Session(s): 1
Location:


Solar Energy for Your Home or Business

An overview of solar electric and solar heating systems will be presented. There will be many photos of solar installations so that you can get a good idea of what they look like and how they are installed. Many basic questions will be addressed such as: How well does solar energy work in Minnesota? How much energy do the systems produce? What are the costs involved and overall economics? What incentives are available? Is there any maintenance? There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. The instructor is the owner of Solar Connection, www.solarconnectioninc.com, a solar energy design and installation company located in Rochester. Find out information on federal tax credits and Rochester Public Utilities' installation incentives. Cosponsored with Rochester Public Utilities (RPU). Instructor: Curt Shellum. Curt is a licensed general contractor and a NABCEP Certified PV Installer™. NABCEP is the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

Date: TBD (check back in the fall for additional 2013-2014 dates)
Time:
Session(s): 1
Location:

Registration for a Community Education class can be made by calling 507.328.4000 or online through the Rochester Community Education website.


Building Operator Certification II (BOC II)

Building Operator Certification Training Scholarship Application

Building Operator Certification - Rochester - Level II Training Series

Building Operator Certification - Rochester - Participant Awards Apllication


View our BOC 1 Graduating Classes