Fall 2009

Brighten your holidays by using less energy

with ENERGY STARÂŽ qualified LED (light emitting diode) Holiday Light Strings

r $POTVNF MFTT FOFSHZ r -BTU VQ UP UJNFT MPOHFS r ăSFF ZFBS XBSSBOUFF r More durable and shock-resistant Instant discounts are available at the following retailers: Menards Duluth, Hermantown, and Baxter

ACE Hardware Downtown Duluth and Denny’s in Woodland

ACE Hardware Little Falls

ACE Hardware Sandstone

ACE Hardware Park Rapids

Thurlow Hardware Pequot Lakes

Gardiner’s Hardware Pine River

Godfrey’s True Value Backus

Hoffmann ACE Moose Lake

ACE Hardware Brainerd

Visit www.mnpower.com/holidaylights or stop by a participating retailer for more information on LED holiday lights.

Free Home Energy Report Visit www.mnpower.com and click on the Your Home Energy Report icon. Complete the questionnaire, and within a minute or two, you’ll have a personalized report to help you identify ways to save energy and manage your energy costs.

Minnesota Power receives ENERGY STARŽ Award Minnesota Power’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) recently received an award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for promotion of energy-efficient construction and environmental protection.

We were honored with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. The award recognizes our efforts to promote energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by sponsoring the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program in our service area last year.

Minnesota Power CIP Administrator, Tina Koecher, credits the Triple E New Construction Program (for more information visit www.mnpower.com/tripleestar), which meets stringent ENERGY STAR performance requirements. “In the past three years, over 100 homes have been built to these standards. It’s a true testament to the value our customers place on high performing homes and their willingness to go the extra mile,� she says.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA. They must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to local code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes. demonst

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Call for your complimentary 2010 pocket calendar Receive your free copy of Minnesota Power’s convenient 2010 pocket calendar filled with energy conservation tips and coupons, as well as important MP phone numbers and facts, by visiting www.mnpower.com/2010calendar or calling 218-355-3512 and toll free 1-800-228-4966 .

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Energy Design Conference & Expo February 22–24, 2010 www.duluthenergydesign.com

Minnesota Power 2009-10 scholarship applications available online Minnesota Power continues to honor outstanding high school seniors with $2,500 Community Involvement Scholarships – now in its thirteenth year. A prime criterion for eligibility is a student’s involvement in the community through volunteerism.

We also distribute up to $50,000 in scholarships through the New Generation Scholarship program, established in 2008. Criteria for consideration include attending a two- or four-year college within our region with a focus on careers that match regional workforce needs.

The Foundation’s educational programs reflect a commitment to build stronger communities. Our scholarship program rewards committed college students who are positioning themselves to live, work, and prosper in the region.

Apply online at www.mnpower.com/scholarships

You can help keep your neighbors warm this winter Here’s an opportunity to turn spare change into a warm home for our neighbors in need this winter. Minnesota Power gathers voluntary contributions from customers by “rounding up” their monthly bills to the next dollar. Money raised will be donated to the Salvation Army’s HeatShare programs throughout northern and central Minnesota.

The Army will use the funds to help warm the lives of the elderly, disabled, and others by providing funds for heating bills and heating related repairs. HeatShare is a last resort for many who have no other resources available.

To learn how you can help or for additional program details, call 1-800-228-4966.

Cold Weather Rule The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) regulates the conditions under which gas and electric utilities may disconnect residential service in the winter months (from October 15 to April 15). The CWR requires that customers who have difficulty paying heating bills contact their utility to work out a mutually acceptable payment plan to keep their heat on.

Should you receive a disconnection notice from Minnesota Power, you must contact us to set up a CWR payment plan to avoid disconnection. Call 1-800-228-4966.

Do you need help paying your heating bill? Heating funds are available through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for MP customers who qualify, based on household income and number of persons living in the home. Call our 800 number for more information on how to apply.

Hey Kids! Learn about electricity online The Electric Universe at www.mp.electricuniverse.com is filled with creative activities, scientific and historical information, fun games, useful videos, and electrical safety tips. Learn how to increase your knowledge about the world of electricity.

Kids Korner at www.mnpower.com/community offers fun, interactive tools to help students learn about electricity and how to use it safely and wisely, as well as the importance of conservation. Features include energy basics, playing it safe, energy and the environment, games, and parent and teacher guides.

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