Xcel Energy to Provide Funding for Energy Efficiency Promoter
Energy Smart, a one-year-old program helping Minnesota businesses take advantage of rebates and other financial incentives for becoming more energy efficient, is receiving funding from Xcel Energy to continue its work for another three years.
The Minnesota Office of Energy Security recently approved the funding plan. Energy Smart, run through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Waste Wise program, started as a pilot in 2008. Its first year was funded by four investor-owned utilities, including Xcel Energy. Continued funding by Xcel Energy will allow Energy Smart to assist more businesses that need help navigating the web of energy-efficiency incentives, such as rebates, low-interest loans and grants.
“Saving energy is smart business,” said Mark Blaiser, executive director of Minnesota Waste Wise and Energy Smart. “The Energy Smart team is helping small and midsize businesses that are overworked and understaffed take advantage of some great financial incentives offered by the state’s energy utilities. We’re also helping businesses understand the value of incorporating energy efficiency and conservation into business operations.”
Energy Smart directly contacted more than 5,000 businesses, most of which were not aware of the opportunities for energy cost-savings. Program staff visited about 150 Minnesota businesses in its pilot year, evaluating operations and recommending steps for savings.
The nonprofit also hosts educational workshops on energy efficiency and works with economic development and business-networking groups across the state to help mobilize business communities toward energy-efficiency goals.
One business it helped was Bernick’s Beverages & Vending, a St. Cloud-based beverage provider with six facilities. Minnesota Chamber of Commerce member Jason Bernick asked for Energy Smart’s help in evaluating energy usage at his company’s Waite Park warehouse. Energy Smart lined up an audit, and Bernick’s eventually replaced 500 lights with high-efficient T-8. The company expects to save $80,000 annually on their electric bills and recoup the investment in one year, thanks to energy savings and a lighting rebate.
“Bernick’s appreciates the expertise that Energy Smart brings to the table,” says Bernick. “It’s partnerships like this that not only save on expenses for our company but also reduces demand on power plants for a ‘greener’ environment.”
Energy Smart also recently launched a blog with energy-efficiency tips, resources, and news and information on financing opportunities for businesses.