Metro Counties Energy Task Force

The Metro Counties Energy Task Force is a great example of how local governments can make more progress by working collaboratively than working individually. In response to the ongoing changes in the electric utility industry and other energy markets, Hennepin County initiated a Metropolitan Counties Energy Task Force in late 1999. Counties represented on the Task Force include Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Washington.

The Task Force meets monthly to address energy issues relevant to the Twin Cities area. The meetings are a forum for education and action by County Commissioners. The Task Force agenda has included conserving energy in county operations; generating and transmitting electricity; creating energy from renewable and alternative sources; and developing strategies to meet future energy demand. The Task Force has sponsored an annual energy workshop for the past four years.

The Task Force has been working to recommission public buildings in each county. The improvements will not only conserve energy, but will also serve as a demonstration to the public. In Anoka County, Energy Services Group completed a lighting improvement project at the Northtown Branch Library. Wescott Library in Dakota County has been inspected and the contractor’s report will include recommendations for light, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements. In Hennepin County, Hallberg Engineering is evaluating the HVAC system at the Environmental Services Building for potential upgrades. And in Washington County, window upgrades will be installed in the 150-year-old historic courthouse.

In addition to the recommissioning project, the Task Force has completed an energy profile matrix that lists suppliers of electricity and natural gas to each of the counties, the number of meters in each county and total energy expenditures and unit costs for energy for several past years. The counties will use the matrix as a framework for annual evaluation of energy consumption and conservation. It will also serve as a baseline for collecting additional energy data in year ahead.

For more information contact:
Tony Hainault, Hennepin County Environmental Services
612.348.3059
Tony.Hainault@co.hennepin.mn.us