The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization (CNO) is now offering a $175 Mini Grant to Corcoran homeowners who participate in Community Energy Services (CES). Following the Home Visit portion of the program, CES participants may use the grant for air sealing and insulation, or upgrade to a high efficiency furnace, air conditioning, or water heater if these improvements are recommended.

Eligible, completed improvements were reimbursed on a first-come / first-served basis following a walk-through by CNO staff. Funds were limited to 20 grants. At this time, all of the mini grants have been used. Please direct all inquiries to Eric Gustafson at CNO.

Community Energy Services (CES) is a comprehensive one-stop residential energy program offered by Center for Energy and Environment in partnership with CNO, CenterPoint, and Xcel Energy, with funding provided by the MN Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Participants of Community Energy Services are invited to free educational workshops where homeowners will learn how to save energy and money in their home. Participants will then schedule a customized home visit where two energy experts will spend an hour and half with the homeowner in their home. During this time they will perform a blower door test and install materials which may include: compact fluorescent light bulbs, low flow showerheads, faucet aerators, pipe wrap, a programmable thermostat and more. The home visit represents up to $400 in services and materials for a co-pay of only $30. Participants will also receive information on financing, rebates and incentives. The first round of free workshops took place in April, 2010 at Corcoran Park.

PARTICIPATE! Attend an upcoming workshop to get involved. To reserve your spot contact Ashley Robertson at 612-335-5869. Find dates of upcoming workshops here.