On Thursday, October 1st, over thirty folks gathered in New London’s Little Theatre to learn about the people, organizations, and funding opportunities to help them get their clean energy projects done.
Erin Smith, the West Central Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Coordinator, led things off with a welcome and introductions. After that, a panel of utility experts gave an update on the resources and rebates they had to offer for their utility customers:
- Dan Tepfer, Kandiyohi Power
- Wes Hompe, General Manager, and Dave Opsahl, Willmar Public Utilities
- Ryan L. Bruers, Xcel Energy (New London service territory) – Download his presentation
Afterwards, Erin gave an overview of the CERTs seed grants that are due October 26th.
Then we heard of a past seed grant recipient, Tracy Tebben, with the New London Spicer High School, who was awarded a 2014 Seed grant from CERTs. To learn more about the project, please download his presentation.
Another excellent resource to help with a clean energy or sustainability project is the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP). David Fluegel, Executive Director with the Southwest RSDP, gave an overview of their programs. Learn more on their website, and check out the Idea Briefs section!
In the final presentation, Joel Haskard spoke about several additional resources, including the federal Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants. These grants can pay for up to 25% of an energy efficiency or renewable energy grant. CERTs has created a Renewable Energy for Greater Minnesota webpage with a Access Sample REAP Application link that provides you with line-by-line assistance in filling out a REAP application. Download their presentation to see example projects.
Another excellent resource available in some counties and cities is the Property-Assessed Clean Energy financing (PACE). To learn more about how PACE might be a financial mechanism for energy efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades to your business with no up-front costs, visit: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/pace.
After the event was over, folks walked down the street to the Goat Ridge Brewing Company to continue the conversations and clean energy project connections. Thanks for a swell day and evening, New London!
See photos from the event below:
