October 4, 2005 - Rapidly rising gas prices don't have to leave homeowners out in the cold. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is hosting two free homeowner workshops this fall to provide area residents with information and ideas on how to prepare their homes for the upcoming heating season and lower their utility bills. Workshop exhibitors will offer practical energy-saving information and tips homeowners can use to combat rising energy costs.

Natural gas prices area expected to increase nearly 75% this winter compared to last year. "In order to combat these higher prices, homeowners will need to take steps to make their homes more energy efficient," states Sheldon Strom, Executive Director of CEE. "Adding insulation or installing a high efficiency furnace could save Minneapolis homeowners up to hundreds of dollars per year."

Homeowners will have the opportunity to browse different booths and meet individually with a representative from the Department of Commerce, energy specialists, window and heating contractors, loan officers from CEE, and other weatherization professionals. Homeowners will be able to learn more about rising energy costs and available services (including home energy audits), as well as general practices and specific products and materials they can use to prepare their homes for the winter.

The workshops will take place at the following locations and times:


Thursday, October, 27, 2005
4-8 p.m.
Webber Recreation Center
4400 Dupont Ave. N, Minneapolis


Tuesday, November 1, 2005
4-8 p.m.
Martin Luther King Recreation Center
4055 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis


For more information about the workshops or to learn about CEE homeowner programs and services, call 612.335.5881, or visit the CEE web site at http://www.mncee.org.

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