Minneapolis Block x Block
The Vision: Everyone Gets Everything
We believe everyone should live in a home that’s safe, healthy, and powered by clean energy, no matter your income, background, or whether you rent or own. That’s the goal of the Block x Block campaign: to make clean energy upgrades accessible, and affordable to EVERYONE, no exceptions
We want a Minneapolis where no one is left behind.
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With clean energy technology at our fingertips, in the wealthiest country in the world, what we need is political will.
Clean energy for all
The Sustainable Homes Program, provides energy-saving home upgrades and access to healthy and affordable clean energy. Most participants will not pay upfront costs or need to find their own contractors. Immediate savings on your energy bill are likely.
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Check out our Block x Block Blog!
What Is Block x Block?
Block x Block is a campaign to help Minneapolis transition off fossil fuels and into clean energy, one home and one block at a time. In 2023, community members pushed the city to invest $10 million in new programs that support energy upgrades for residents. That includes better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, electric heat pumps, solar, and even geothermal.
Our North Star
Making every building in Minneapolis comfortable, safe, affordable, and carbon-free by 2040
Ensuring that all residents - including renters and low-income residents - have safe, healthy, and climate-resilient homes and neighborhoods, starting in the Green Zones
Green Zones are neighborhoods that have experienced the highest levels of pollution and the least investment. Many residents live in homes with poor indoor air quality, and pay high energy bills. That is why we are working to support Green Zone residents to access the benefits of clean energy. That’s why we are excited about the new Sustainable Homes Program.
We believe the people most impacted by the problem should be the first to benefit from the solution.
What We’ve Won (So Far)
Here’s what community power has made possible:
Winter 2021: The People’s Climate and Equity Plan launches with teams forming in every ward
2022: Residents hold house parties, meet with elected leaders, and push for change
Summer 2023: City releases the draft Climate Equity Plan. 800 residents submit comments, and the final plan reflects their feedback
Fall 2023: City Council votes unanimously to approve $10 million in annual funding for clean energy programs
Spring 2024: New funding allows for new and expanded clean energy home upgrade programs. Unidos MN engages 500 residents through door knocking and surveys, showing residents prefer the Sustainable Homes Program model
Summer 2024: Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) is awarded the contract to roll out Sustainable Homes Program in 2025
Winter 2024: Unidos MN sends # postcards in favor of polluter pay model, city signs a stronger 10-year Franchise Agreement with utilities, setting utility decarbonization goals for the first time, and stronger accountability measures
2025: Unidos MN collects more than 500 photo messages from residents asking city to increase climate equity funding for clean energy homes. City council agrees to vote on increase in December!
And we’re just getting started!
Sustainable Homes Program
Sustainable Home Program upgrades lower energy bills, improve indoor air quality and make our homes more comfortable. And the best part? There is no upfront cost to get started. (1)(2)
We’re partnering with Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF), and the city of Minneapolis to bring the benefits of clean energy to Minneapolis residents who need it most, through CEF’s Sustainable Homes Program.
Cooperative Energy Futures is a member-owned cooperative that exists to make clean energy accessible to all. CEF brings the technical know-how, contractor network, and financing tools that make upgrades accessible for every household, no matter your income or credit.
Find out what upgrades make sense for your home, like insulation, new windows, or a heat pump
Let CEF handle the work. They coordinate contractors, secure rebates, and help cover upfront cost
You will pay a monthly service charge to CEF, and your total energy bill should be less than what you pay now
Simple as that. No hassle, no debt, just a cleaner, healthier home.
Discover upgrades that cut costs, improve comfort, and make your home healthier. No credit check, no loan– just a simple first step toward clean energy.
1 Some co-pays may occur. These will occur most often for households above 80% Area Median Income. Households will be made aware of any co-pays before agreeing to any upgrades.
2 This program will evaluate which upgrades are cost-effective and energy efficient in your home. Immediate energy bill savings (following upgrades) are likely.
Sign up for your home energy assessment TODAY!
Discover upgrades that cut costs, improve comfort, and make your home healthier. No credit check, no loan– just a simple first step toward clean energy.