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Energy Efficiency Programs

The City of Rochester is committed to helping residents and businesses reduce energy use, lower utility costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions through smart energy efficiency and electrification programs. Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same — which saves money and reduces environmental impact by decreasing demand for electricity and fossil fuels. Electrification replaces fossil fuel-based systems (like natural gas heating) with efficient electric technologies such as heat pumps and induction cooking. Together, these strategies support a healthier, more resilient community.

Fossil fuel-powered appliances, like gas stoves and water heaters, can allow pollutants into your home. Electrification can help lower your home's environmental impact and contribute to better indoor air quality. For help with the electrification process, visit the Center for Energy and the Environment’s Electrify Everything Minnesota website. For information about heat pumps and heat pump contractors visit the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative and enter your zip code.

Receive step-by-step guidance on weatherization and electrification for a more comfortable, healthier, and safer home. 

Plug into the Future: A Residential Electrification Journey

  • Learn how to electrify your home
  • Review available financial incentives, planning resources, and preferred contractors
  • Address any questions you have related to home electrification 

Catch up on our residential workshop series by watching the recordings:

Learn more at Electrify Everything Minnesota.  

Electrify Everything Advisors

Rochester residents can get FREE guidance on completing home projects, lining up rebates and finding contractors. Contact the Electrify Everything Advisors.

Housing Developer and Contractor Workshops

Specialized sessions for industry professionals will provide targeted insights on electrification and efficiency. Housing developers can learn how to navigate energy code updates to build more efficient homes. Contractors will gain knowledge about emerging trends, resources, and incentives to meet the growing demand for electric HVAC and appliances.

  • Contractors: Electrification Trends and Opportunities for Contractors
    • View recording here.
  • Developers: Electrification and Energy Rating for Housing Developers
    • View recording here. 

RPU and Minnesota Energy Resources have teamed up with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer Rochester homeowners the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, a full-service residential energy audit program. The program includes a free energy workshop, a home energy assessment, installation of energy saving materials, and guidance through the process of making energy efficiency improvements, if applicable.

The Rochester Healthy Home Helpers (HHH) program aims to improve indoor air quality, lower utility costs and make homes safer and more energy efficient, while also building a local green workforce. The program trains and compensates local residents as Healthy Homes & Energy Navigators, equipping them with the BPI Building Science Principles certification, a nationally recognized credential that provides foundational knowledge of how energy, air and moisture interact in buildings.

Navigators will apply these skills through at-home consultations, distributing Healthy Homes/Energy Kits and connecting households to programs that support energy upgrades, weatherization and enhanced indoor air quality. Navigators will have the opportunity to advance into additional training in fall 2026, creating a direct pathway to good-paying, high-demand jobs in the local building and energy sectors.

Why it Matters

Many homes in Rochester’s neighborhoods, particularly Census Tracts 1–3, were built before 1980 and face poor ventilation, high radon exposure, and energy inefficiencies. These areas also experience higher rates of asthma and heart disease and have average life expectancies up to 15 years shorter than the Minnesota state average. This program directly addresses these disparities by combining trusted peer-to-peer outreach with tangible home improvements and connections to programs and resources.

What This Program Does

The Rochester Healthy Home Helpers program aims to:

  • Improve indoor air quality, home safety and energy efficiency.
  • Reduce houshold energy burdens through rebates, weatherization and education.
  • Build community capacity and a local green workforce by training and compensating Navigators.
  • Advance goals identified in Rochester's Sustainability & Resiliency Community Work Plan and support efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building energy sector.

Inside a HHH Energy Kit

During an in-home consultation, a team of Navigators will walk through your home with you and discuss causes of indoor air pollution and safety concerns. You will get personalized recommendations, resources, and access to other additional services. Assessments will be 1-2 hours and all resources and services for this program are free! Items inside the Healthy Home Energy Kits reach a value exceeding $130, items including:

  • Green cleaning supplies
  • Insulation spray foam
  • Weatherization materials
  • LED light bulbs
  • Child safety outlet covers
  • Faucet aerator
  • Low-flow showerhead
  • Carbon monoxide/smoke detector
  • Radon test voucher
  • RPU Energy Audit voucher

How Do I Sign Up for an In-Home Consultation?

Starting in Spring 2026, a link will be available here for Rochester community residents to sign up and request an At-Home Consultation with a team of Navigators.

Get in Touch

For more information, please contact Kayla Betzold, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Rochester.

Energy Sustainability for Our Elderly: Rochester Public Utilities and Minnesota Energy Resources are offering an energy efficiency improvement program for Rochester’s low-income residents over the age of 60 in single family homes. The program includes a free home energy audit and covers the installation costs of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities identified by the audit. 

4U2 Program: Rochester Public Utilities and Minnesota Energy Resources are offering a program for Rochester’s income-qualified residents to make energy efficiency improvements. The program includes a free home energy audit and covers the installation costs of energy efficiency opportunities identified by the audit.  

Weatherization Assistance Program: Homeowners and renters who qualify for the Energy Assistance Program administered by the MN Department of Commerce are automatically screened for the Weatherization Assistance program, administered through Semcac, a local weatherization provider. Eligible homeowners’ and renters’ homes will undergo a free home energy audit and, if necessary, receive free weatherization, as well as tune-ups and repairs to heating systems. 

To see how much money you could save by making an energy efficiency or electrification improvement, try Rewiring America’s interactive Incentive Calculator. 

Rochester Public Utilities’ (RPU) Conserve and Save™ rebates provide incentives to residents for purchasing efficient new home appliances, heating systems, electric vehicles, and more. View the list of qualifying purchases and application forms for the Conserve and Save™ rebates. 

Minnesota Energy Resources provides rebates on energy efficiency improvements for both new and existing homes, such as improvements to natural gas heating systems, ductwork, and windows. View the full list of qualifying improvements.

The State of Minnesota will receive substantial funding under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, including rebates for home energy-efficiency and electrification improvements. This funding will become available in 2025. Find out more information here. 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides residents with numerous forms of monetary incentives to invest in clean energy and improve energy efficiency.

Rochester Public Utilities offers a Smart Thermostat Program, which provides homeowners a one time $50 enrollment incentive and an annual $25 year-end bill credit for allowing RPU to adjust home thermostats by up to 4 degrees on weekdays during times of peak demand. The temperature adjustments are not on weekends or holidays and typically last only 1-4 hours. The program allows RPU to reduce energy demand during peak hours, lowering energy costs and passing the savings down to customers. 

Checkout Programs

The City offers hands-on check-out programs so you can explore energy-efficient solutions at home:

The City of Rochester is excited to offer residents the opportunity to assess their home’s energy efficiency with our Home Energy Audit Kit! This kit provides various tools to help you review your home’s lighting, water usage, appliance performance and overall energy consumption. Whether you're looking to save on utility bills or make your home more comfortable and eco-friendly, this kit is a great place to start!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have any special equipment to use the kit?

No special equipment is required. The kit contains all the necessary tools, each with detailed instructions for proper use.

How long can I borrow the kit?

You may borrow the kit for up to two weeks. Please return the kit in its original condition to the front desk at 4001 West River Parkway during regular business hours.

Can I keep the kit if I need more time?

If you need more time, please contact the Sustainability Division to request an extension. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Where can I get more information about my home weatherization and energy efficiency?

To dive deeper into your home, we recommend attending Rochester Public Utility and Minnesota Energy Resources Neighborhood Energy Challenge. You’ll receive further guidance on weatherization and energy efficiency, and you will be eligible for a $75 energy audit after participating in the program.

How to Participate

To participate in the program and borrow a Home Energy Audit Kit, fill out the interest form and the borrower agreement, release & liability waiver. 

After completing the interest form, you will be scheduled to pick up your kit in person at 4001 West River Parkway during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The kit is available for a two-week borrowing period. After completing your energy audit, please return the kit in its original condition to the same location.

What's Included?

Your Home Energy Audit Kit comes with the following tools to help you assess different aspects of your home's energy use:

  • Water Thermometer – Measure the temperature of your home’s water to ensure it's optimized for efficiency.
  • Light Meter – Check the lighting levels in different rooms and ensure they're within energy-efficient ranges.
  • Infrared Thermometer – Detect areas where heat is escaping from your home, helping to identify insulation or air sealing issues.
  • Refrigerator Thermometer – Ensure your refrigerator and freezer work efficiently by checking their internal temperatures.
  • Temperature and Humidity Meter – Monitor indoor temperature and humidity levels for optimal energy performance.
  • Watt Meter – Measure electricity usage for various appliances to identify energy hogs.
  • EPA WaterSense Flow Bag: Test the water flow of faucets and showerheads to identify opportunities to reduce water and energy use.

Why Participate?

  • Save Money: By identifying energy inefficiencies, you can make simple changes that can lower your utility bills.
  • Enhance Comfort: Improving your home’s energy performance often leads to more consistent temperatures and better air quality.
  • Protect the Environment: Reducing energy consumption and waste helps lower one's carbon footprint, contributing to the City of Rochester’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and becoming net zero by 2050.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about the Home Energy Audit Kit or need assistance, feel free to contact us:

The City of Rochester is excited to offer residents a free Induction Cooktop Lending Program. This program allows residents to try out a modern, energy-efficient induction cooktop in their homes, giving them firsthand experience of the benefits of induction cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to use this service?
No, the induction cooktop lending program is entirely free. It’s an excellent opportunity to try a more energy-efficient cooking solution in your home at no cost.

What cookware can I use on the induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops require cookware made from ferromagnetic materials (such as cast iron or stainless steel). You can use the included cookware or test your own with the magnet provided. If the magnet sticks to the bottom of your pot or pan, it will work on the induction cooktop. Cookware made from glass, ceramic, copper or aluminum will not work unless it has a magnetic base.

What makes induction cooking better than gas or electric stoves?
Induction cooktops are 5-10% more efficient than electric stoves and three times more efficient than gas stoves. Unlike gas stoves, which release heat into the air and contribute to air pollution, induction cooktops heat the cookware directly, using less energy and producing fewer emissions.

Why is the City of Rochester offering this program?
Rochester is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. This program supports the City’s goals to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and to eliminate them by 2050. Induction cooktops provide a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative to gas cooking.

For more information, please email sustainability@rochestermn.gov.

How to Participate

To participate in the program and borrow an induction stove top, fill out the interest form and the borrower agreement, release & liability waiver. 

After completing the interest form, you will be scheduled to pick up your kit in person at 4001 West River Parkway during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The kit is available for a two-week borrowing period. After completing your energy audit, please return the kit in its original condition to the same location.

What's Included?

When you sign up for the program, you'll receive everything you need to start cooking with induction technology:

  • 1 Induction Cooktop: A portable countertop unit that's easy to use and can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet.
  • 9.5-Inch Frying Pan: Perfect for sautéing, frying and other cooking tasks.
  • 1.5 QT Saucepan (with lid): Ideal for making sauces, soups or small food portions.
  • 3 QT Pot (with lid): A versatile pot for cooking larger meals or boiling pasta, vegetables or potatoes.
  • 1 Magnet: To help you test your cookware for induction compatibility. Simply check if the magnet sticks to the bottom of your pots and pans to see if they will work on the induction cooktop.

Why Participate?

Induction cooktops are not only energy-efficient, but they also offer a safer, cleaner alternative to traditional gas stoves. Here’s why:

  • Energy efficient: Induction cooking is up to three times more efficient than gas, and no heat is lost. The heat is transferred directly to your cookware, reducing energy waste.
  • Quicker Cooking: Direct heat transfer to the pan allows food to cook faster, saving you time in the kitchen.
  • Greater Temperature Control: Induction cooktops allow you to adjust the temperature precisely, giving you better control over your cooking.
  • Healthier: Unlike gas stoves, which emit harmful pollutants like methane and nitrogen dioxide, induction cooktops produce no indoor air pollution, improving the air quality in your home.
  • Safer: Induction stoves do not have open flames or hot coils, making them safer for families with children or pets. The cooktop only heats up when it detects compatible cookware, lowering the risk of burns and fire hazards.
  • Easier to Clean: Induction cooktops feature a flat, crevice-free surface, making cleanup a breeze. Since the cooktop remains cool, spills don't burn and you can wipe it down immediately after use.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about the Home Energy Audit Kit or need assistance, feel free to contact us:

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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