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<br />3 <br /> <br />The City of Fridley also prioritizes energy efficiency for its residents by offering <br />discounted Home Energy Squad® Enhanced7 visits through the Housing and <br />Redevelopment Authority. In 2014, the first year of the partnership, participation rates <br />were the highest, but participation has decreased over the last two years. An important <br />target of this plan is to increase participation in Home Energy Squad. Fridley also offers <br />low-interest home improvement loans, administered by the Center for Energy and <br />Environment. However, while energy efficiency upgrades are allowable in the loan <br />scope, past applicants have not generally incorporated efficiency into their project. This <br />plan will also address increasing the use of loans for efficiency projects. <br />The 2040 Comprehensive Plan update has been an important opportunity for the City to <br />establish long-term energy and sustainability initiatives. In the 2040 Comprehensive <br />Plan, the City’s goals are to establish policies and implement programs that support <br />Fridley’s commitment to environmental sustainability in the community and region, and <br />to increase resiliency. Specific components of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan include <br />supporting the Next Generation Energy Act goal;8 encouraging the use of solar devices, <br />especially in under-utilized spaces; and ensuring equitable access to alternative energy <br />and energy efficiency programming. Action steps detailed in this plan, such as <br />participating in programs to promote and incentivize energy efficiency and renewable <br />energy, and integrating green building best practices into the permit process, will help <br />the City of Fridley meet its Comprehensive Plan goals. <br /> <br /> <br />7 Home Energy Squad® is a joint program offered by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy to help <br />customers reduce energy use. Energy experts deliver customized energy solutions, including installation <br />of energy-saving measures. Enhanced visits include blower door test, thermal image testing, combustion <br />safety check, and carbon monoxide check. <br />8 Next Generation Energy Act passed in 2007 established statewide goals for reducing greenhouse gas <br />(GHG) emissions 30 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050 below 2005 levels.