Opportunities to save will be highlighted at Home Energy Efficiency Expo in Bemidji
Mar. 12—BEMIDJI — Homeowners in the Bemidji area will have the opportunity to learn about how improving their home's energy efficiency could save them money through new tax incentives and rebates at an upcoming Home Energy Efficiency Expo.
The Beltrami Electric Cooperative will host the event from 4 to 6 p.m., with a special presentation scheduled from 5 to 5:30, on Thursday, March 21, in its Community Room at 4111 Technology Drive NW.
Attendees will enhance their understanding of energy-saving strategies and how their home projects could be supported through local funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. The event is designed around three key pillars: learn, earn and share.
"This will be a beneficial event for anyone who is looking to save on their electrical bill," explained Angela Lyseng, a communications specialist for BEC. "There's going to be $17 million in funds from the IRA coming toward Beltrami County, rebates and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades."
The IRA, a bill that passed Congress in 2022, includes measures that aim to decrease residential energy costs by improving access to energy-efficient technologies and providing incentives for homeowners to improve their home's energy use.
One of the focuses of the event at BEC will be to educate local community members on how to access these IRA tax credits and rebates, with experts present to guide participants through the various financial incentives and processes.
"Our goal is to educate and help the community in navigating what's in the IRA, and what they're thinking of doing to improve energy efficiency in their homes," Lyseng explained. "We'll have people on hand who can determine what (homeowners) can get in savings in return for those upgrades."
One of the opportunities provided for in the bill includes rebates available to homeowners who install new, energy-efficient appliances, ranging from heat pumps to electric stoves.
It also includes potential tax reductions of up to 30% of the cost of upgrades to their home's energy efficiency, including updating heat pumps, insulation and breaker boxes, up to $1,200 per household per year.
The IRA will also support the adoption of electric vehicles with tax credits, and programs are also available for the installation of EV charging stations.
Measures to support clean energy are also included, with tax deductions available for households that install solar panels, which will allow homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of the project from their taxes.
"We'll have experts there to help with questions about rebates and incentives. We'll also have people from the community who have already made energy efficiency upgrades and they'll talk about how the process went for them," Lyseng said.
Both BEC and Otter Tail Power will be present to discuss programs available to their customers.
"It's an opportunity to learn from neighbors and community members, it's really a great all-around event with lots of different groups and resources all in one place," Lyseng explained.
She encourages anyone with even a passing curiosity about the event or the IRA incentives to stop by and learn more about how they can improve their home's energy efficiency and reduce their electrical bills.
"Energy efficiency is going to help people save money on their utility bills," Lyseng said. "Using less energy is kind of the goal for everyone. It's easier on the grid, on the environment."
For more information, contact Angela Lyseng at
or
(218) 444-3689.
