By Joan Gilbertson, Producer
WCCO.com
December 4, 2009

There's a law in Minnesota that requires energy companies to cut down on the amount of energy we use.

As a result, we just might be the first and only place in the country where a public utility is going to come into our homes to help us be more energy efficient.

The Neighborhood Energy Connection "Energy Squad" pulled up in a van to a house in St. Paul.

"Hi, we're with NEC," said the squad when they knocked on Mike Whitney's door.

"What year was this house built, 50s?" asked energy squad leader John Park.

"Yeah, '54," said Whitney.

Park is leading the squad that will make small changes for big energy savings.

They are switching old light bulbs for new compact fluorescent bulbs.

"This is the CFL part -- that's the good energy saving part," explained a squad member to Whitney's two young sons.

They're putting efficient low-flow shower heads on and checking for air leaks.

"Use the back of your hand," said Park around the edge of the fireplace, "You can feel the air coming out of there."

The best part of the program is that most of the cost is being picked up by Xcel.

"It's really just a kick start for them to start to become more energy efficient," said Crystal Manik, a marketing manager with Xcel.

The company estimates the energy squad program will save the same amount of electricity used each year by 138,000 homes and the natural gas used by 27,000 homes.

"It's as simple as when you realize that if you change that one standard light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb," said Manik, "you can save as much as $5 per bulb, per year."

Xcel will start the energy squad program in January. The cost will begin at $50 and go up to about $100 for extras like fancy CFLs and water heater insulation. Low-income households can sign up for free.

"The customer essentially pays for the materials that are installed," said Manik.

"It was nice to get some professional advice," said Whitney. "And if you get everyone to do a little bit ... then that seems like a great idea."

Xcel will start the energy squad program in January in the metro area with plans to expand to the suburbs in the future.

The company will also have a Web site you can go to if you want to get on their schedule.