What is Energy Coaching?
Interested in making energy-related improvements to your house but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve considered solar or perhaps your air conditioner isn't keeping your home cold and you’ve heard of heat pump replacements but don’t know if they make sense for you.
If this describes you, consider scheduling an energy coaching session with the Clayton County Energy District. During an energy coaching session we’ll stop by your house or set up a zoom meeting to discuss your priorities, objectives, timeframe, and potential budget. Our goal is to help you develop a roadmap for how, when, and in what order to prioritize projects. Energy coaching is a great opportunity to get your questions answered by experts and to develop a plan to move forward with your clean energy projects.
Energy coaching is free for income qualifying households in Clayton County (see below for income thresholds based on household size). Continue reading to learn more about energy coaching and to schedule a visit.
Meet Our Energy Coaches!
JAKE MCGREAL
Jake grew up on a farm in Clayton County and went to school in Elkader. In his personal time, he likes being outdoors, traveling both in the US and abroad, he speaks a little Spanish, enjoys reading, and is skilled with tech/mechanical stuff. Jake graduated from Loras College in 2013 with a B.S. degree in engineering and a minor in computer science. After graduating he worked as a software test engineer at John Deere and a solar power company designing rooftop solar arrays and creating proposals for residential customers. In 2017 Jake moved to Salt Lake City, UT and started working for Second Nature, a wilderness therapy program, as a field instructor.
After moving back to Iowa he’s been farming, producing maple syrup, and vending at the farmers' market in Dubuque. He also works as a handyman/carpenter for remodels, decks, flooring, installing cabinets, etc. Jake also finished building his own house in February 2025, completing all the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and installation of doors and windows.
MITCH ANDERSON
An active master electrician certified in Iowa and Wisconsin, Mitch owns and operates Anderson Electric Service out of Lansing, a business he started in 2003.
He has worked in the electrical industry since 1990, but has also earned a master plumber license and a lead safe renovator certification. Previously, Mitch worked with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission on low income/fixed income home projects out of their Postville office. He also has both OSHA and MSHA safety training and served as a quality control inspector through the PFS building inspections group.
Mitch brings extensive knowledge of home trades professions and has an established relationship with area energy providers after working with them for years on various projects.
GO SOLAR NOW!
IOWA: Go Solar Now! - Clean Energy Districts
HOME ENERGY 101
Home Energy 101 - Clean Energy Districts
GEOTHERMAL vs. TRADITIONAL
AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP vs. TRADITIONAL
Clean Energy Resource Teams Facts Sheet
CCED CONTRACTOR NETWORK
Visit our Contractor Network page for your energy efficiency, solar, HVAC, and lighting needs!