Program to assist energy upgrade

Energy Smart, a program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, is a statewide initiative designed to help businesses save money by taking advantage of conservation programs and increasing energy efficiency in their buildings and operations.

“Saving money is also smart business,” said Mark Blaiser, executive director of Minnesota Waste Wise, an affiliate program of the Minnesota Chamber. “If the energy costs go up then so do the production costs for businesses.”

A lighting upgrade alone could save a costs by more than one third, Blaiser noted. The conversion from old T-12 fluorescent bulbs to new T-8 technology can reduce power use by 35 percent.

There are other opportunities for savings with heating and air conditioning ventilation, refrigeration and freezer upgrades through other programs, he added. Rebates, grants and low-interest loans are available from utility programs if a business implements certain energy efficiency upgrades. These financial incentives can help recoup some of the up-front investment costs to the business.

The first step is to get an energy assessment to measures energy use. The assessment report contains hard information and recommendations for improvements where significant energy savings can be realized. Approximate costs for upgrades are noted, with referrals to known financial resources and rebates.

Tina Keocher, administrator of Minnesota Power’s conservation improvement program, said the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and its channels of membership enhances outreach about comprehensive residential and business programs.

“We have been working with Energy Smart in the development of this pilot program and are hopeful and excited that it will help us reach customers that we have not been historically successful with about awareness,” said Keocher. “We are hopeful that the outcome will show businesses why energy efficiency and conservation makes good business sense.”

Betsy Jensen, executive director of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, said that a recent demonstration by Minnesota Power showed that the meter wheel does move a lot slower with efficient new light bulbs.

She encourages residents and businesses to visit www.mnpower.com/powergrant and ask for an assessment. The company will also try to line customers up with grants and conversion rebates to upgrade when possible.

Minnesota Power offers information on new and underutilized technologies, along with grant rebates and grants to encourage investment in energy-efficient products and processes.

“It is a good program,” said Jensen. “They will come into your small business and do an energy audit for you.”

The rebate applications are based on kilowatts saved over the life of new equipment from upgrades. The upgrades can include refrigeration, energy management systems, air conditioning, process equipment and electric cooking.

“Energy Smart has the potential to significantly increase business participation in energy conservation utility programs,” said Bill Glahn, director of Minnesota Office of Energy Security and deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce.

Glahn said that state energy goals have been in effect for decades. The difference today, he explained, are the results-oriented goals of the Minnesota Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. The requirements on power utilities are to work toward measurable efficiency improvements rather than just spending a percentage of revenue in those areas.

The new goals include a 25-percent renewable energy standard by 2025, and 1,000 Energy Star-rated buildings in Minnesota by 2010. They also resulted in Conservation Improvement Programs offered by Minnesota utilities to offer efficiency upgrades and incentives.

The CIP energy savings goal is equal to 1.5 percent of state utility annual retail energy sales for electric and gas beginning in 2010. Energy Smart is a CIP awarded by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security and funded by the four largest state utilities including Minnesota Power.

Glahn said that helping underserved businesses is an opportunity to reduce consumption and reduce costs in a tough economy. It promotes energy independence and environmental quality, he added.

Jeff Haase, Minnesota Office of Energy Security, said that this incentive program is focused on helping businesses use light bulbs, motors and process equipment more efficiently and does not get into fuel switching element.

“We do have other programs to direct the moving from natural gas to biomass, solar or next generation components of alternative energy technologies,” he said.

For information about the Minnesota Power grants and rebates, visit online at mnenergysmart.com or mnpower.com/powerofone. For information about Energy Smart visit mnenergysmart.com.