Guest Blogger

In addition to our regular panel of energy-saving experts, WH occasionally will share others' viewpoints on this blog as well. Guest bloggers' names can be found at the bottom of their posts.

Articles by Guest blogger

Wright-Hennepin welcomes new CFO

Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH) is pleased to welcome Susan (Sue) Sorensen as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
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Benefits of driving electric continue to grow

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming easier as technology and affordability improve, and performance and infrastructure are enhanced.
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During storm season, stay clear of downed power lines

During Minnesota’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 17-21, Great River Energy and Wright-Hennepin want to remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and remind you that we are prepared to keep the power flowing to homes, farms and businesses.
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Charging your electric vehicle has never been easier

Receive up to $1,000 in rebates when you purchase a charging station and join the EV Storage Charge Program.
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Electric vehicle frequently asked questions

Want to learn more about the different electric vehicles, how much they cost and ways to save money? The answers to these and more can be found below.
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Scam Alert

Notice: Some WH members have received scam emails requesting immediate payment.
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Ten ways to save energy in the laundry room

Your clothes washer and dryer account for a significant portion of energy consumption from major appliances, and let’s face it––laundry is no one’s favorite chore.
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Electric cooperatives ask members to do their part to conserve energy today

The heat wave we are experiencing has prompted the operator of the electric transmission system in our region to issue a maximum generation emergency event. Wright-Hennepin is asking its members to conserve electricity.
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Recommendation of restated Bylaws

The Board of Directors is proposing revisions to WH's Bylaws.
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Co-ops step up in the cold

As parts of the United States struggled to maintain electric service during a historic cold snap, Minnesota’s cooperatives went to great lengths to ensure their members had the energy they needed.
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Stay cozy this winter

When you're feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways you can keep comfortable without turning up the thermostat.
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Four ways Santa saves energy in his workshop

This holiday season, Santa’s making the most of energy savings in his workshop, and you can too!
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Our work zone is year round

As we enter fall, we look forward to the leaves turning and the beautiful landscape as we travel the roads. 
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Phone scam alert

NOTICE: WH has become aware of scammers calling and asking members to make an immediate payment or face disconnection of their electric and gas service. Please be aware – this is NOT Wright-Hennepin.
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Power line safety down on the farm

WH wants to remind the community to look up and look out for power lines, especially as farmers enter the planting season.
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Wright-Hennepin's "Stay at Home" action plan

A message from the CEO.
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Wright-Hennepin COVID-19 action plan

A message from the CEO.
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Special capital credit refund of $1.6 million in March

In March, a special capital credit refund of $1.6 million will be returned to Wright-Hennepin (WH) members as the result of surplus margins from 2018 electric operations.
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A winter evening: Brought to you by electricity

Days are getting shorter as winter sets in, but electricity is help keeping us warm!
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A glimpse into how solar panels work

Powering a home using the sun’s energy is not a new concept, especially with recent technological advances and lower costs, solar has become an attractive option to many homeowners.
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Tony’s Tech Tip - How do you know if a website is secure?

How can you know your information is safe on the internet from identity theft?
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Cooperatives--Communities at their very best

Electric cooperatives have been a part of the fabric of Minnesota for more than 80 years. Fourth and fifth-generation members today enjoy the same benefits of membership as the pioneers who strung the first wires into Minnesota’s countryside.
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LEDs let you trim the tree efficiently

If your holiday chores include unraveling the same old tangle of decorative lights, maybe you should consider and upgrade to more reliable, efficient and longer-lasting LEDs.  LEDs, or light-emitting…
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Wright-Hennepin 2016 Pole Inspections Beginning in August

Find out where Wright-Hennepin will be performing pole maintenance in 2016. 
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Beat summer heat without large electric bills

Summer temperatures are just around the corner, but that doesn't mean your electric bill needs to rise with them. Check out these tips for how to beat the summer heat without large electric bills. 
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Go green with energy efficient landscaping

Don't just make your yard eye-pleasing, make it energy efficient. 
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Dual Fuel: Why and when it is controlled

 Find out when and why dual fuel and other off-peak programs are controlled. 
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Set a timer on your engine block heater this winter

Avoid added costs from heating your engine all night by installing a timer. 
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Tree-trimming weather: the chillier the better

As temperatures cool trees become dormant, offering perfect timing for tree trimming because of a reduced risk of spreading diseases.
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Protecting your trees from emerald ash borers

 Learn how you can protect your trees from emerald ash borers in this blog. 
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New Year's energy efficiency resolutions for your home

Start off the new year by saving some money on your energy bill with these tips.
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Learn why LED bulbs are a great choice

Light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs or LED bulbs) are fast replacing incandescent bulbs. There are many reasons for this...
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Holiday energy-saving tips

Learn how you can reduce your energy use during the holidays.
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Schedule a Pre-Season Furnace Tune-Up Before Winter Arrives

The heavy cold in Minnesota is still a few months away, but you shouldn’t delay when it comes to making winter preparations for your home. Part of that is to schedule a pre-season furnace tune-up. Your…
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Save on Your Heating Costs With Dual Fuel Options

Learn how you can save this winter with WH's Dual Fuel program!
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Energy Efficient Smartphone Apps

Learn about energy efficient smartphone apps!
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Dual Fuel vs. Pre-paying for propane

Winter will be here before we know it, and now is the time to think about lowering your heating bills.
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Wright-Hennepin is Starting a Third Solar Community

Wright-Hennepin (WH) is introducing a very unique way to own solar by pairing two popular options: community solar and $0-down pricing!
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Energy Star Products Qualify for Tax Credits Through 2016

Did you know that a variety of Energy Star products qualify for tax credits? Read to find out more.
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The benefits of air source heat pumps

Learn how air source heat pumps are beneficial.
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Tips to keep your home cool this summer

Learn how you can keep your home cool this summer while also saving on energy costs.
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Use an Advanced Power Strip to Save Energy and Money

Learn how using advanced power strips can save you energy and money!
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Why it is important to maintain your air conditioner

Learn how taking care of your AC unit can help extend its life and help it run more efficiently.
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Why WH cycles air conditioners during the summer

Learn why WH cycles air conditioners during the summer months.
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Cold Weather Energy-Saving Tips

Have you noticed that the local weathermen have nothing nice to say lately? This has been a very cold winter and it sounds like it could be a bit before it gets better. With that in mind, the following…
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What are Phantom Loads?

Have you ever heard of the term, "phantom load"? Read to learn about phantom loads and how you can stop them in your home.
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Holiday energy-saving tips

The holiday season is generally a time for higher energy use, but there are plenty of ways to save. Here are holiday energy-saving tips to help you and your family cut back on your energy use: ·      …
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What to look for when purchasing a new television

A few tips for buying a new television
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How to reduce energy use in the kitchen

Did you know that the kitchen typically uses the most energy compared to other rooms in a home? Learn how to save while using your kitchen.
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Save energy during the holidays

Learn how you can save energy for the holidays.
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Propane Heating compared to Electric Off-Peak Heating

Are you looking to save on your heating costs this winter? We can help!
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Electric options for your propane or fuel oil heating system

Learn how adding a plenum heater to your forced air system will save you money
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Tips for using household appliances more efficiently

While appliances use a large amount of energy, there are numerous ways to use them more efficiently.
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How a Home Energy Assessment can help you save energy

Save money by completing a Home Energy Assessment.
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How landscaping can help you save energy

Learn how landscaping your property can help you save energy all year long.
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How you can save with a Programmable Thermostat

Discover how you can reduce your use of heating and cooling energy with a programmable thermostat.
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How WH's Off-Peak Air Conditioning is Helping the Environment, while Saving Money

WH's Off-Peak Air Conditioning is helping the environment and saving energy.
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Day to day energy saving tips for families to practice this summer

You and your family can work together to save energy. Begin with these simple ideas today.
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What is an electric car?

Learn why electric cars are growing in popularity and what makes them unique.
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Day to Day Energy Saving Tips for Families to Practice This Summer

Learn how you and your family can work together to save energy this summer!
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What is an electric car?

Electric cars are growing in popularity. Learn more about the history of electric cars, how they run, gas mileage and more.
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What is an electric car?

Learn why electric cars are unique and why they are growing in popularity.
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How to save energy with Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in creating a home. Learn how you can experience the benefits of outdoor lighting while saving energy.
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Is your air conditioner not cooling the way it used to?

Did you know that your air conditioner system needs to be cleaned in order to run properly? Find out the cleaning method steps here.
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Standard Air Conditioning verses Air Source Heat Pumps

Have you ever wondered how standard air conditioning compares to air source heat pumps? Find out more information here.
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Air Conditioning SEER ratings explained

As warmer weather approaches, it is important to begin thinking about your air conditioner. Find information about air conditioner shopping, rebates and ratings here.
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Did someone say annual meeting?

Find the energy saving booth at WH's Annual Meeting!
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What's happening with the WH Solar Community?

Learn about new updates on the WH Solar Community project.
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Save money on your lighting costs

Read an overview of the various types of lighting types and learn which type is most energy efficient.
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WH's Off-Peak Programs Explained

How WH's Off-Peak program works
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Why Energy Star for your Home.

Learn how Energy Star products compare to conventional appliances.
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Tools Used to Help you Discover Your Daily Energy use Around the Home

Have you ever wondered how much energy is used to operate your home appliances? You may also be curious about hidden energy leaks or drafts in your home. Let's discover how you can monitor your energy consumption and save money.
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Save energy by using less water

Water conservation is very important. It saves energy as well as water. There are many simple was to conserve water….
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Comparing propane and electric costs

Are you interested in comparing electric heating costs to propane heating costs? Let’s walk through how to do this.....
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Save money on holiday lighting

The holiday season is approaching fast, and many of you are probably planning on using stringed lights to make your home look more festive. However, it's important to consider how much these electricity-drawing additions cost.....
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Making Your Heating System Efficient With Plenum Heaters

You’ve probably heard of them before, and you may even know a few things about them; but what exactly is a plenum heater, and how can it help you save energy?
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Energy-saving lessons from The Littlest User 2

It was another strong season for The Littlest User contest. This year, we had 31 teams participate. Together, they saved a whopping 14,293 kWh. Check out the link on our home page to see how all the teams did.
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Rebates available for energy-efficient equipment

With summer winding down and winter quickly approaching, I’m sure air conditioning is the last thing on your mind. But with Wright-Hennepin’s rebates, now may be the time to look into upgrading your old unit.
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Programs can assist you with energy efficiency

If you qualify for income eligible status and would like to make your home more energy efficient, there are local community action programs that can help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
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The Nest learning thermostat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, programmable thermostats can help you save anywhere from 5 to 20 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. However, 40-70 percent of the people who own these devices find them to be difficult to operate.
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Save on Your Water Heating Costs | Wright Hennepin Electric

You may have heard of air source heat pumps and how efficiently they operate to heat and cool your home, but did you know heat pumps can also help you save on your water heating costs?
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Window coverings can help you save energy in your home

Have you ever sat in the sunshine that streams in through your home’s windows? Although that warmth feels pretty great on a cold winter day, in the summer, it can actually be adding a few degrees to your home’s temperature.
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Understand your energy use and save through MyMeter

Have you ever received your electric bill and wondered why your use was different from the month before?
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Summer energy-saving tips

It’s easier to save energy (and therefore, money) during the summer than you might think. Some solutions may seem obvious, but can still make a considerable dent in your electric bill. Here are a few simple activities that can help you conserve energy this summer.
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Ways to Take Advantage of Solar and Wind Energy in Your Home

Solar and wind energy has become more popular in recent years as many people are looking for cleaner, renewable sources of energy. However, most people don’t realize that we’ve been using solar and wind energy for years – even before electricity was being generated.
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Save energy while enjoying cooking this summer

Summer has finally arrived! Even though we did have a decent winter, for me, it seemed like summer couldn’t come fast enough. Maybe it’s the trees, or the birds singing, or the fact that it’s only nice outside in Minnesota for about six weeks a year, but everyone seems to be jumping at the chance to get outside.
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Saving energy | Ensuring freezer and refrigerator efficiency

A fridge and freezer account for one sixth of an average home’s electric usage. This is usually more than any other appliance in the household.
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Save energy by maintaining your air conditioner

Air conditioners lose some of their efficiency from normal wear and tear over the operating life of the unit. Coils and filters become dirty, belts slip and refrigerant may also begin to leak over time. This causes your home to lose comfort, and your monthly energy costs to soar – by as much as 20 percent!
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Air source and ground source heat pumps

Imagine using a single, very efficient unit to both heat and cool your home. Heat pumps not only make this possible, but can potentially greatly reduce your heating and cooling costs.
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Learn how to save energy at WH's Annual Meeting

As some of you may know, Wright-Hennepin will be conducting its 75th Annual Meeting on March 29. For those of you who haven’t attended this event, you’re missing out on some valuable energy-saving information as well as fun events and prizes.
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Save on your water expenses with low-flow shower heads

Can you save water and still get a great shower? YES! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, showering is one of the top uses of residential water in the United States, representing approximately 17 percent of indoor water use. Stop and think about how much you’re paying for your water usage – especially for showering. You pay to bring the water into your home, to take it away from your home and you pay to heat it as well. Basically, you are paying three times to use water for showering – that can really add up!
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Save money on your lighting costs

Did you know the standard incandescent light bulb only uses 10-20 percent of the energy it consumes for light? The rest of the energy it uses is given off as heat. 
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The cost-saving advantages of space heaters

Portable heaters can come in handy for a variety of situations and can save you money on your overall heating costs. There are situations where you may only need to heat a small area, and using a small space heater can be less expensive than turning up the thermostat on your whole-house heating system. Space heaters can also be used to raise the temperature of rooms used by individuals who are sensitive to cold, without the added expense of over-heating the rest of your home.
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Tightening up air leaks in your home

Conserving energy in your home is about better insulating the envelope inside as well as outside. A very easy and inexpensive project to help you accomplish this is to install wall and switch plate seals.
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Save energy by reducing phantom loads

Have you ever gotten up at night to get a glass of water and noticed a lot of little red lights shining around your living room? Devices that produce these lights are constantly drawing energy – whether they’re on or off.
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Choosing a television that is energy efficient

Even though you may have gotten a great Black Friday deal on an HDTV, that new television may end up costing you more money than your old tube TV in the long run.
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My new oven - a sensible solution for saving energy

There’s been a lot of buzz about energy conservation in recent years, and as you probably know, conserving energy is not always easy to do. However, I’ve discovered a way to save energy while cooking and baking, which may be very helpful during the upcoming holiday season.
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How to save money on holiday lighting

The holiday season is approaching fast, and many of you are probably planning on using stringed lights to make your home look more festive. However, it’s important to consider how much these electricity-drawing additions cost.
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Preventing air infiltration

Air leakage – or infiltration – occurs when outside air enters a house through uncontrolled spaces like cracks and small openings. Properly sealing cracks and openings in your home can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs, improve building durability and create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
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Save Money by Maintaining Your Mechanical Ventilation System

Fall is a great time of year to check your mechanical ventilation system. Keeping these systems well maintained is a simple, cost effective way to save you money on your winter energy bills.
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Top 10 tips learned from energy-saving contest

What would you do with an extra $1,200? That is what one family calculated their electric bill savings to be over a four-month period of actively conserving energy. This family also won Wright-Hennepin’s 2011 “Littlest User” energy-saving contest.
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Wright-Hennepin’s new energy saving information blog

At Wright-Hennepin, we do regular member surveys to help us provide our members with relevant information. Based on the results of these surveys, you have told us time and time again that you’d like to hear more energy-saving tips that will help reduce energy use in your homes and reduce your electric bills. This blog is meant to help meet that objective.
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