Partners in Energy - Energy Action Hub

In 2023, the City of Hopkins participated in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Program. A group of residents, members of the business community, City board and commission members, elected officials, and City staff participated in five planning workshops to design an “Energy Action Plan” for our community. 

The plan is full of information about Hopkins’ energy use as well as strategies for residents, businesses, and the City itself to manage energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• View the Executive Summary of Energy Action Plan (PDF)
• View the Hopkins Energy Action Plan (PDF)

How To Get Involved

• Learn About Energy Programs: Find out how you can save energy and money.
• Support EV (Electric Vehicle) Infrastructure: Advocate for more electric vehicle charging stations in Hopkins, find out how to own your own EV, and how to best charge at home. 
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage developers and businesses to adopt sustainable practices 
• Retrofit Your Home: Consider upgrading your home with energy-saving features. Contact the Home Energy Squad to discover possibilities. 
• Join Community Efforts: Participate in local events and initiatives on energy education and climate solutions.
• Stay tuned for ways you can take energy action by checking back on this page .

Community Energy Vision

The City's Energy Action Plan will have a positive effect on residents, businesses and the environment. The plan will save energy and greenhouse gas emissions through leadership, pragmatic action and cost-effective solutions. Reflecting the values of the community, the plan will create a more equitable, resilient city where residents and businesses have the opportunity to thrive.

Focus Areas for Energy Action

1. Energy Equity - Aims to decrease energy burden and increase access to resources for the City’s most vulnerable residents. Rather than siloing this work into a single focus area, it is an over-arching intention for all work in this plan. 
2. Energy Efficiency - All measures to improve the energy use of existing residential and commercial buildings, including single-family homes, multi-family buildings and businesses.  
3. Sustainable Development - Maximizing energy efficiency, renewable energy and electrification opportunities, this focus area’s strategies benefit the future buildings of Hopkins.
4. Renewable Energy - Increasing access to wind and solar energy for residents, businesses and municipal buildings while increasing Hopkins’ resilience.  
5. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure - This focus area will promote chargers, electrical upgrades and other infrastructure to increase charging availability for a variety of electric vehicles, including micromobility like e-bikes and e-scooters.

Overall Plan Goal 

We aim to cut an extra 40 percent of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2028. This will save our community $1.9 million. As an even bigger goal, the City prefers to avoid an extra 95 percent of these emissions by 2028, saving our community an estimated $3.5 million.

Energy Equity

Our Energy Action Plan focuses on fairness and inclusion, making sure everyone benefits, especially those who need it most. We will engage and support our most marginalized community members to ensure equitable outcomes.

Strategy Highlights

1. Energy Efficiency Outreach: Help residents and businesses find and use programs that save energy.
2. EV Infrastructure Plan: Create a city-wide plan for electric vehicle charging stations, including for non-car EVs.
3. Sustainable Development: Connect large developers to sustainable development programs and teach them about energy efficiency.
4. Home Retrofits Incentives: Encourage people to upgrade their homes with weatherization, renewable energy, and electrification projects.
5. Sustainable Building Policy: Develop a policy to promote sustainable building practices.
6. Hopkins Climate Solutions Fund: Grow and promote this fund to support climate solutions.

Visit page 24 of the Energy Action Plan (PDF) for a full list of strategies.

Impact and Results of Plan Implementation

• Reduce Emissions: Avoid 2,008-7,015 metric tons of CO2 emissions. This is like taking at least 447 gas-powered cars off the road for a year.
• Save Money: Save residents, businesses, and the City $1.9-$3.5 million in utility bills by 2028.
• Climate Resilience: Become a community that is better prepared for climate changes.
• Fair Service: Ensure that all residents, businesses, and institutions are served fairly in sustainable energy actions.

By working together, we can make our city a better, greener place for everyone!