E85
What is E85?
E85 is an environmentally friendly alternative fuel which blends 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 is designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles, commonly referred to as "FFVs."
E85 Stations
To find a list of E85 stations in Iowa, please visit the Iowa Corn Growers website.
Financial Assistance
LIHEAP
High energy costs will take a heavy toll on Iowa families and their pocketbooks this winter. If you think you will have difficulties paying your heating bill this winter I would encourage you to sign up for the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To find out more about the LIHEAP program and to see if you are eligible for benefits visit The Iowa Department of Human Rights Bureau of Energy Assistance.
LIHEAP, a federally funded program, is administered by local community action agencies (CAP) in each county. If you are a senior, or if you are on disability, you can apply for benefits on October 1. Applications will be taken for everyone else starting November 1. To find the CAP nearest to you, please visit the Weatherization Assistance Program website.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The WAP has developed from a program that stressed low cost, temporary measures installed by volunteers, to a program that uses trained crews and contractors to install permanent cost effective measures that address both the building shell and the heating and cooling systems in the dwelling.
The installation of energy efficiency measures for each dwelling is based on a computerized energy audit which determines the cost effectiveness of each measure. Energy efficiency measures include high density wall and attic insulation and blower door - guided infiltration reduction. Because the weatherization procedures result in "tightening" homes, indoor air quality and other client health and safety issues are also addressed. Health and safety measures include safety checks of all combustion appliances.
Besides the obvious benefit of conserving energy, the Iowa WAP also provides other benefits to Iowa and its residents. The program results in millions of dollars of additional value added to the Iowa economy. The program also mitigates certain health and safety problems in the client's homes, maintains affordable housing for low-income persons, reduces utility averages, and reduces environmental pollution.
For more information, see below or visit the following sites:
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Many Iowans are investing in projects to reduce their energy usage in an environmentally friendly way. The Iowa Office of Energy Independence provides excellent resource material that gives basic information on how to go about implementing renewable energy projects. Also, the Iowa Energy Center provides good information about the financing of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The Rural Energy for America Program provides loans and grants to farmers and rural businesses to help with renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Iowa Office of Energy Independence
The Office of Energy Independence sets the strategic direction for Iowa's clean energy future. The Agency is the main funding mechanism for innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects statewide.
USDA Rural Development- Rural Energy for America Program
USDA Rural Development administers the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a grant and loan guarantee program targeted to farmers and rural small businesses to access renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The program was authorized by Senator Harkin in the 2002 Farm Bill, the first energy program ever included in a farm bill. For additional information, please visit the USDA Rural Development's webpage.
United States Department of Energy
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy works with business, industry, universities and others to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. They offer a variety of grant programs to further this purpose. For additional information on renewable energy and energy efficiency, please visit the Department of Energy website.
Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives
To learn more about Iowa's rural electric cooperatives, please visit the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives website.
Iowa Utility Association
For additional information on Iowa's investor owned energy companies, please visit Iowa Utility Association's website.
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
To learn more about how Iowa is leading the nation towards energy independence, please visit Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website.
Iowa Corn Growers Association
To learn more about how Iowa continues to benefit the country through the production of corn, please visit the Iowa Corn Growers Association website.
Iowa Wind Energy Association
For additional information on Iowa's growing wind energy industry, please visit Iowa Wind Energy Association's website.
Iowa Soybean Association
To learn more on how Iowa continues to benefit the country through the production of soybeans, please visit the Iowa Soybean Association's website.
Tips for Saving Money on your Energy Bill
Before the weather gets too cold, examine the exterior of your home for cracks where cold air can enter and heat can escape, especially around windows and doors. You will feel the benefits this winter, if you take the time now to seal openings with calk and make sure that the storm windows are properly closed.
One of the easiest ways to save money on your home heating bills is to "dial down and layer up". Adjusting your home's thermostat just a few degrees can have a positive affect on the amount of energy and money you save. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you better regulate the temperature of your home. Some utility companies offer incentives for installing programmable thermostats. Check with your natural gas provider to see if a programs is available in your area. If you already have one, check to make sure it is programmed properly to assure it is working most efficiently for your family.
For more ideas on how you can save money this winter, explore my energy website and/or the Iowa Energy Center website.