IV.3. Home Energy Squad Partnership Agreement with the Center for Energy and the Environment; Youngquist
January 19, 2021 Council Report 2021-007
Home Energy Squad Partnership Agreement with the Center for Energy and the
Environment
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve an agreement through
2023 between the City of Hopkins and the Center for Energy and the Environment for the
Home Energy Squad Program.
Overview
The Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) is a nonprofit that provides a range of
programs and resources for homeowners, businesses, and governments designed to reduce
energy consumption. Their programs include energy audits, consulting, recommendations on
qualified contractors, and access to financing for energy improvements.
The City of Hopkins has partnered with CEE since 2014 to offer the Home Energy Squad
Program for Hopkins residents. Changes were made to the program in 2020 in response to
the COVID-19 pandemic. The process begins with a virtual visit via phone or computer, to
minimize time and contact in the resident’s home. The program has two types of home visits,
the Energy Saver visit, which is for newer homes and the Energy Planner visit, which is
recommended for homes built before 2000. The Home Energy Squad will install energy
saving materials and recommend next steps.
The program is partially funded by Centerpoint Energy and Xcel Energy. Participating
residents pay $35 for an Energy Saver visit or $50 for an Energy Planner visit, and the City
makes an equal payment of $35 or $50 per visit. CEE bills the City quarterly based on the
number of visits completed. The cost to the City will not exceed $3,500 annually without
additional authorization from the City.
Since the inception of the partnership, 158 Hopkins homeowners have taken advantage of the
program. Approval of this agreement would extend the program for an additional three years
to the end of 2023.
Supporting Information
• Agreement to Perform Home Energy Squad Visits in the City of Hopkins
___________________________
Jan Youngquist, AICP
Community Development Coordinator
Financial Impact: $3,500 Budgeted: Y/N Y Source: ED Fund
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): _______________________________________
Notes: _______________________________________________________________
AGREEMENT to Perform
Home Energy Squad Visits
In the City of Hopkins
This Agreement is made by and between the City of Hopkins with offices at 1010 1st Street South, MN 55343 and
the Center for Energy and Environment (“CEE”), with offices at 212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 560, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55401.
The following agreement is for the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to deliver Home Energy Squad visits
to residents of the City of Hopkins.
PROGRAM SCOPE
The purpose of the Home Energy Squad visits are to promote energy conservation in residential properties. Energy
Saver visits offer energy efficient installs, and Energy Planner visits offer installs, diagnostic tests, and follow-up
services. CEE will perform Home Energy Squad Energy Saver and Energy Planner visits for residents per the fee
schedule listed below.
ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES
Properties must be residential (from 1-4 units) and located within the geographical boundaries of the City of
Hopkins. Individual owners of condominiums or town homes are eligible for funding.
CEE TASKS
1. Conduct Home Energy Squad Energy Saver Visits. CEE will conduct Home Energy Squad Energy Saver
visits to help homeowners identify and implement energy savings opportunities in their homes. The visit
will include an insulation inspection, safety check on heating system and water, and the direct install of
energy-saving materials where possible, including high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, door
weather stripping, programmable thermostats and LED light bulbs.
2. Conduct Home Energy Squad Energy Planner Visits. CEE will conduct Home Energy Squad Energy
Planner visits to help homeowners identify and implement energy savings opportunities in their homes. The
Energy Planner visit will include the direct install of energy-saving materials where possible, including
high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, door weather stripping, programmable thermostats and LED
light bulbs. In addition, it will include a blower door test to check for air leaks, visual inspection of
insulation levels with use of infrared camera as weather permits, heating system and hot water heater
combustion safety tests and a report to the homeowner on recommended energy upgrades (if resident is a
renter, permission from the landlord may be required for doing these additional diagnostic services).
The co-pay and exact package of services are subject to change based on programmatic considerations,
including CEE’s agreement with utilities and other factors which are outside the bounds of this agreement.
CEE will notify the City of Hopkins prior to any changes taking effect. CEE will lead a community-based
marketing campaign to promote the program. The City of Hopkins shall provide assistance in developing
and implementing this campaign.
3. Providing Air Sealing and Insulation quotes. If air sealing and/or insulation are recommended at a Home
Energy Squad Energy Planner visit, CEE may provide a quote to the resident that would be honored by
participating insulation contractors. CEE is an independent third party to any transaction between the
resident and the insulation contractor. CEE does not receive any compensation from insulation contractors,
nor does CEE, CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy accept any liability for any work performed by these
contractors. Any agreement for work done by the contractors is solely between the contractor and the
resident.
Type of Home Energy Squad Visit City payment Resident co-pay
Energy Saver visit $35 $35
Energy Planner visit $50 $50
4. Follow-up services and insulation contractor assistance. If major upgrades (air sealing, insulation and
furnace or boiler replacement) are recommended at the visit, CEE will follow-up with homeowners through
email or by phone to encourage implementation. When a quote is provided CEE has the ability to schedule
insulation work directly with a qualified contractor making it easier for homeowner to move forward with
recommendations. CEE will also provide contact information to program participants who have follow-up
questions after the home visit.
CITY TASKS
1. Assist and coordinate with CEE on marketing activities. This includes working with CEE on press
releases, articles in CITY newsletters, water bill inserts, promoting program on CITY website, CITY email
lists, assistance in coordinating with neighborhood and other CITY leaders, assistance in reserving
workshop and event space as needed.
PAYMENT
CEE shall submit regular invoices to the City of Hopkins for activity performed under this agreement. Invoices will
be emailed to Jan Youngquist.
The City of Hopkins will reimburse CEE $35 for every Home Energy Squad Energy Saver visit completed and $50
for every Home Energy Squad Energy Planner visit completed, not to exceed $3,500 per year without further
authorization from the City.
CONTACTS
The following individuals shall be contacts for this program:
CITY OF HOPKINS CONTACT PERSON
Jan Youngquist, City of Hopkins
Community Development Coordinator
jyoungquist@hopkinsmn.com or 952-548-6343
CEE CONTACT PERSON
Stacy Boots Camp, Center for Energy and Environment
Assistant Outreach Manager
sbootscamp@mncee.org or 612-244-2429
TERM
The project shall run from January, 1 2021 through December 31, 2023 and may be extended upon mutual
agreement by the parties.
In witness thereof, the parties have executed this work order as of the date written below.
CITY OF HOPKINS CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
By: By:
Date: Date:
By:
Date: