“Triple E definitely adds value. Peoplelook at how much it will cost to heat ahome. It is a big deal these days.”

Randy Hagen, Duluth

“Triple E is a great program. It becomes almost acompetition to build a tighter house. It is exciting to thinkoutside the box.”

Kevin Claus, Hermantown

November 2006

A slowing economy has cooled the marketfor new homes. Combined with high heatingcosts, this has created an opportunity forcontractors who specialize in energy-efficienthome construction to attract buyers whowant the bottom-line benefits of lower utilitybills and long-term cost savings—as well asthose motivated by environmental values.

We recently surveyed customers who builtnew homes to Minnesota Power’s Triple Estandards for thermal integrity and energyperformance. They expressed high satisfactionwith the comfort, durability, and indoor airquality of their Triple E homes and felt theirinvestment was being repaid through energysavings and improved market values. In thewords of Jay Abraham, a Long Prairiehomeowner, “The Triple E rating isconfirmation that you have a well-builthome.” Many spoke with gratitude andrespect for builders who promoted energyefficiency and were confident enough in thequality of their work to have it evaluated andcertified. They also appreciated the sizeablerebates.

Learn more about energy-efficient homeconstruction and the new Triple E programrequirements at the 2007 Energy DesignConference and Expo at the DECC inDuluth, Feb. 27-28. We hope to see youthere—building your business on energyefficiency.

Dean TalbottMinnesota Power Project Manager

Dean

Value Benefits

Building your business on energy efficiency

Building Up Triple E Homeowners

Return on Investment“Living in Minnesota, weknew the investment wouldpay for itself,” said DaveJohnson of his family’sdecision to build a Triple Ehome. Rebates, long-termcost savings, and energyconservation were among thebenefits they considered.

“It just made sense,” said PegJohnson. “If energy-efficientconstruction is an option, andthere are companies likeMinnesota Power to assist, it’sa no-brainer. I like seeing an energy company get behind these principles.”

The Triple E certification process was alearning experience for the Johnsonsand their contractor. “The requiredblower tests found things right awaythat were fixed during construction,”Dave Johnson said. “That definitelyimproved the home’s energy efficiency.”

continued on back

The Johnson family (back row Dave and Peg;front row Riley and Emilie) learned about energyperformance along with their contractor. TheirTriple E home is comfortable, tight, efficient toheat, and easy to cool.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency“I have environmentally friendly, conservation values," saidKerry Donars, of Duluth, who acted as general contractor forhis contemporary hillside home. “In building a newconstruction, it was going to be as advanced as possible.”

The striking new home maximizes natural daylight, passivesolar gain, and the cooling breezes off Lake Superior to reduceenergy use. Combined with advanced insulation and buildingtechniques, high performance windows and doors, andenergy-saving lighting and appliances, it easily qualified for

Triple E rebates.

“Triple E wasn’t about money,but about consumption,”Donars said. “It is satisfyingto do your best and meetthose values of conservation.”

Contact Information

“Triple E is the goldstandard of homeconstruction. Anybodybuilding a home these daysshould insist upon it.”

Wade Gordon, Cloquet

Mark Your Calendar

17th Annual Energy Design Conference & Expo

Feb. 27-28, 2007Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)

• Workshops—New and Advanced Sessions• Products and Service Exhibits

• Hands-on Demonstrations• Door Prizes and Reception

• Continuing Education Credits

Register Online: www.duluthenergydesign.com.Or call: 218.720.2796 or (toll free) 800.228.4966 ext. 2796

Space is limited, so register early. No walk-in registrations.

continued from front

Beauty and PerformanceJulie Beal was skeptical when her husband,David, announced he wanted to build a Triple Ehome for their retirement. “I wanted our house tobe attractive, and he was more concerned with itbeing well insulated and tightly sealed,” she said.“I didn’t realize you could have both.”

The key was finding a contractor whounderstood and believed in the Triple Econcepts—and knew how to integratethem into exceptional design.

“Our contractor shared myphilosophy of energy efficiencyand was on the cutting edge inconstructing to Triple Estandards,” David Beal said. “Our home has a very opendesign, but it isn’t drafty, and we don’t have cold pockets.Even in the middle of winter, the internal environment isextremely comfortable, and it is very cost efficient to heat.”

Julie and David Beal worked with contractor Russell Gran

to achieve the highest Triple Estandards, combining architecturalbeauty and energy performance

in a home they love.

Triple E New ConstructionUp to $2,500 in program rebates, based on specific Triple Estandards for thermal integrity, airtight construction, moisturecontrol, ventilation, heating, and inclusion of ENERGY STAR®-qualified lighting and appliances.

Home Heating and Cooling“Found Money” ECM Coupon Special: Total rebate of $250 towardpurchase and installation of a high efficiency furnace with electronicallycommutated motor (ECM). Good through Feb. 28, 2007. Visitwww.mnpower.com/ecmcoupon for coupon.

Other rebates are available. For more information about Minnesota Power's Triple E New Construction

program and a complete listing of all current residential rebates and savings, please visit

www.mnpower.com/foundmoney.

“It’s like finding money.”

Featured Incentives

Kerry Donars (left) stressesthe need for more builderswho are sensitive to Triple Eand interested in achievingthe highest score.

30 West Superior StreetDuluth, MN 55802-2093Toll-Free 800.228.4966218.722.2641www.mnpower.com