Other Ways to Take Action

By |
Smart Thermostat

Fresh Energy is making sure Minnesota and our region move quickly toward a clean energy future. Help us accelerate this transition with these tips for action.


Your voice: Your input matters! Check back to our “Take Action” page for opportunities.

Most importantly, be sure to contact your legislator. Let them know who you are and that you care about Minnesota’s transition to clean energy.


Your transportation: Embrace biking and walking, if accessible to you. Utilize transit options whenever possible and encourage your elected officials to advocate for electric buses. If you drive, consider replacing your gas-powered car with a new or used electric vehicle—depending on your utility and electricity source, it will reduce your carbon emissions by 50 to 95 percent. When flying, strongly consider purchasing carbon offsets.


Your home: Look at new options for heating and cooling with clean electricity. In Minnesota, you may be eligible to sign up for community solar or participate in a utility-sponsored renewable electricity program, like Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect or Windsource program. Power with solar by putting panels on your own roof, if financially feasible.

When considering upgrades to your home’s HVAC system, ask about an air source heat pump, sometimes called a mini-split.

Kick fossil fuel out of your life and swap your fossil gas-powered appliances like water heaters, stoves, and dryers to electric.

Use less energy at peak times, between 4 – 7 PM. Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in a time-of-day electricity rate pilot, if your utility offers it.

Switch to super-efficient appliances and light bulbs.

Consider swapping out your gas-powered yard equipment for electric—lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, and more all have electric equivalents.


Learn from others. See how families across the state have made clean energy changes in their own lives. Read their stories.


Stay connected. Big decisions on closing coal plants, investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building codes are coming this year. Join our monthly newsletter for the latest news. Be sure to also follow along on Twitter and Facebook.