Richfield, MN

Richfield, Minn. (September 16, 2022) – Did you know you can start making a switch to renewable energy for as little as $0.60 per month? On September 24, Richfield staff will be at the Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to show how easy that switch can be. Information about Windsource®, a renewable energy program under Xcel Energy, will be available, along with opportunities for free Home Energy Squad® visits and other energy-related initiatives.

“It is clear that Richfield residents are concerned about the environment and energy efficiency, especially with our older housing stock,” noted Sustainability Specialist, Rachel Lindholm. “We’re excited to spotlight Windsource®, because residents want to know how to use clean energy without needing to invest in their equipment or expensive infrastructure.”

The Windsource® program offers a straightforward and easy tool for residents interested in taking the next step towards sustainable living. As part of this add-on program, customers can subscribe to as much wind-generated energy as they chose to cover their household energy usage. The program requires no maintenance or installation costs, no time commitment and can be tailored to individual customer’s needs.

“For us, it has been an easy way to do something meaningful,” explained Logan Thein, member of the Richfield Sustainability Commission. “We are able to set a good example to our children and our community, and the small price for Windsource® ensures that more of our energy consumption is coming from renewable sources.”

For an average household, covering 100% of their energy usage with Windsource® would add approximately $5 per month to the energy bill. According to Richfield council member, Ben Whalen, the increase in cost was hardly noticeable.

“The increase in cost was literally around $1.50 a month, at most,” acknowledged Whalen. “We also received a refund that was pretty sizeable one month, specifically because we are part of Windsource®.”

Residents can sign up for Windsource® online at www.xcelenergy.com/windsource.

According to Lindholm, the greatest benefit of enrollment in the program lies in the message it sends to utilities and policymakers.

“By adding more renewable energy to Richfield’s overall use, it helps demonstrate a broad, collective commitment to sustainability,” Lindholm stated. “Citywide, there is a huge potential to send a clear message to Xcel Energy, and all levels of government, that Richfield residents have a strong and growing demand for renewable energy.”

Richfield Sustainability staff will be at the Richfield Farmers Market on September 24, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

More information is available at: www.xcelenergy.com/windsource.

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