Clean Energy Resource Teams

 
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking up to three communities who want to learn how to capitalize on the assets of renewable energy to increase their local economies. As part of the grant, SMIF will provide up to $15,000 for community projects along with training and coaching.

SMIF’s grant uses an asset-affirming approach, called the Community Growth Initiative, which puts a strong spotlight on collaboration, local assets, and creativity that generates long-term change.

“Through our Community Growth Initiative, we encourage communities and organizations to draw on their own assets to create change rather than looking to ‘outside xperts’ for answers and assistance,” states Tim Penny, SMIF President & CEO.

Many communities in southern Minnesota are hoping to develop alternative energy sources and the jobs that go along with them. Several communities hosted wind energy forums during the past year in an effort to leverage local opportunities. This new grant partnership will capitalize on that interest and assist communities in growing economic partnerships related to renewable energy of all kinds.

Currently 25 communities within southern Minnesota are partners in this process. These communities are identifying and achieving goals,learning about and leveraging their assets, developing volunteer leaders, and increasing citizen involvement.

Interested communities should send a completed “Renewable Energy Entrepreneurism-Community Growth Initiative” application by February 19, 2010 to Elise Davis at 507-455-3215.

Application and guideline information is available at http://www.smifoundation.org.

 
The Office of Energy Security, Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Community Action Partnerships received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy last week recognizing them for putting stimulus dollars for Minnesota’s weatherization program to good work.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $132 million in weatherization assistance funds. The state Legislature has also appropriated nearly $16 million for the current fiscal year.

So far, nearly 1,400 homes have been weatherized in Minnesota using the federal stimulus funds, and another 2,300 homes are expected to be weatherized with the funds.

Source: Minnesota Public Radio

 
As we kick off 2010, we are excited to announce the projects awarded CERTs seed grants in each of the seven Minnesota CERTs regions. These catalyzing grants of up to $11,000 will help projects garner further funding and bring communities together in identifying and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Read on for all of the details!

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. If you want to learn more about past projects, are interested in our proposal process, or want to prepare for future funding, visit our Request for Proposals page.

Jump to Region: Central | Metro | Northeast | Northwest | Southeast | Southwest | West Central

 
The federal stimulus bill gave money to state governments earmarked for energy-savings initiatives. Minnesota is using $4.1 million of its federal funding to provide grants to commercial, industrial and nonprofit property owners planning to make substantial energy-efficiency and/or renewable-energy improvements in 2010 and 2011. Some of the money will be given directly to property owners making energy improvements and some will go to 501©3 nonprofits and economic development organizations seeking to create their own grant funds. The due date is February 12, 2010 by 4pm. See this summary from Energy Smart for more info or go directly to Office of Energy Security RFP details.

 
NW CERT is hiring a coordinator to help staff their region of Minnesota. The Coordinator will be instrumental in working with various organizations and individuals to move community-scale projects forward within the region by connecting people with the technical resources they need to identify and implement local energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

The ideal candidate for this position will be someone with knowledge of clean energy practices, models and technologies and someone who is good at working with people. Travel is required to perform the responsibilities of this position; a personal vehicle is required, with reimbursement of travel to be made according to State policies.

Applications are due on January 20, 2009 at 4:30pm. An official release, as well as position general responsibilities, qualifications and additional information can be accessed at http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/about/press/01/10/northwest-clea....

 
Hello CERT members and friends! Please check out our October 2009 Monthly Update for clean energy news and announcements from across Minnesota! Included in this update:

• Regional Highlights & Activities
• Link of the Month
• Action Alert
• Upcoming Events

 
This two-day event, hosted by University of Minnesota Extension and the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, will bring together national and local players from Minnesota’s bioeconomy to explore renewable energy opportunities. Day one features national presentation and day two is focused on opportunities for Minnesota.

Watch this great promo video:

Why should you attend? Agricultural producers, landowners, community and business leaders, and citizens interested in economic development and biorenewables are encouraged to attend and identify ways they can participate in solutions to the global climate change and energy supply issues facing Minnesota.

Further details:

• Location: University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center
• Cost: $50 per day, $85 for both days
• Flyer: Click here to download promotional flyer

For more information and to register, please visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/biorenewables.

 
NOVEMBER 9th, SLAYTON, MN — The Southwest and West Central Clean Energy Resource Teams seek temporary appointment of Southwest and West Central CERT Regional Coordinator(s).

The Coordinator will be instrumental in working with various organizations and individuals to move community-scale projects forward within the region by connecting people with the technical resources they need to identify and implement local energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

Position will be paid by contract with CERTs $16.00 – $20.00 an hour for either a 40-hour/week appt or two 20 hours/ week appointments from December 2009 – June 2010 (no benefits) and with the potential for renewal through June 2011. Southwest and West Central CERT Coordinator(s) will be supervised by and report to the CERT Coordinator for the UM Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Position may office out of a home office or may be provided space with one or more of the Project Partners.

BA or BS, technical background in energy research and data analysis desired but not required. Travel is required to perform the responsibilities of this position, personal vehicle is required, reimbursement of travel will be made according to State policies.

Position general responsibilities, qualifications and additional information can be accessed at http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org. Send resume to Annette Bair, Southwest Regional Development Commission and Southwest CERT coordinator by 11/20/09 4:30 pm at either phydev@swrdc.org or 2401 Broadway Ave, Slayton, MN 56172. Position to be filled by January 2010.

Download release & position description (Word) >>
Download release & position description (PDF) >>

Contact:
Annette Bair
SW Clean Energy Resource Team Coordinator
Physical Development Director
Southwest Regional Development Commission
2401 Broadway Ave
Slayton, MN 56172
Email: phydev@swrdc.org
Phone: 507.836.1631
Fax: 507.836.8866

 
The Office of Energy Security and CERTs are co-hosting this webinar to share information about three programs from the Office of Energy Security for local governments in Minnesota.

Join us on the web or in person on November 10 from 3:00-4:30pm

• Register now
• RSVP to attend a viewing near you

Agenda: Presenters from the Office of Energy Security (OES) will discuss upcoming stimulus programs that will be available to Minnesota local governments. The stimulus programs to be discussed include:

• Facility Cost-Share Program – The Facility Cost-share will be awarded through a competitive process to Minnesota school districts and local governments to make energy efficiency improvements to existing facilities. Initially, between $4 and $6 million will be available for cost-effective projects that are ready for immediate implementation. The Cost-share facilities grant will provide funds for up to 25% the cost of a facility improvement project with a maximum of $100,000 for each grant award. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/OES-FacilityCostShare

• Competitive Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program – The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is a competitive grant to enhance energy efficiency, create jobs, and reduce fossil fuel emissions across Minnesota. The grants will be awarded to the most competitive cities and counties that were not eligible to apply directly to the U.S. DOE for formula grants. Approximately $6 million will be available to the top applicants. To ensure that EECBG funds are allocated statewide and competition is more equitable, there will be consideration of geographic location and population size. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/EECBG-competitive-grant-MN

Below are new stimulus developments from the Minnesota Office of Energy Secuirty.

September News:

• A Progress Report on ARRA Funds is now available on our website. This report describes barriers to implementation and a status update on the pending programs.
• A residential energy efficiency rebate program called Project ReEnergize is set to launch on October 1. Rebates will be available to homeowners through licensed contractors for qualifying energy efficiency improvements including Energy Star window replacements, advanced attic air sealing, and attic and wall insulation. This program is being offered by the Builders Association of Minnesota through a $3 million grant of State Energy Program ARRA funds.
• Residential energy efficiency rebates will also be available beginning in late October through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to those who qualify for Fix-up Fund loans.
• Details on the Local Government and School District Energy Efficiency cost-share grant program are now available on our website.
• Prevailing wage rates for ARRA-funded weatherization workers have been determined for Minnesota. The last bullet in our August Summary has additional details.
• Our program plan for the Appliance Rebate Program will be submitted to U.S. DOE by October 15. U.S. DOE expects to release program funds by November 30. More details will be released when available on our website.

August Summary:

• The publication called the Stimulus Funding Summary has been updated. This is a summary of stimulus-funded programs for homeowners, businesses and local governments.
• Summaries of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) proposed projects/programs from some of the U.S. DOE formula-funded cities and counties are now available on our website. Additional summaries will be posted as we continue to receive information from the applicants. This information was submitted to us by the cities and counties that are eligible to receive a formula grant from U.S. DOE directly.
• The competitive grant process through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program will be announced this fall after we receive final approval from U.S. DOE on our program plan. Activities that result in significant near-term energy savings and job creation will be eligible for funds. Full details will be announced when available.
• The Local Government and School District Energy Efficiency program will provide 25% cost-share grants to existing facilities. It is important that applicants have data on their buildings entered into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking tool prior to the time of application. We expect to make $4-6 million available and plan to issue an RFP this fall after we receive final approval from U.S. DOE on our program plan.
• The Renewable Energy and Ground Source Heat Pump Rebates are pending. We are awaiting Davis Bacon and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidance from U.S. DOE.
• The State Energy Program (SEP) Plan has been conditionally approved by the U.S. DOE, but there are pending issues with Davis Bacon and NEPA that need to be resolved before programs can be released to the public.
• A prevailing wage rate for ARRA-funded weatherization workers in Minnesota is likely to be announced soon. Weatherization Assistance Program Service Providers have been weatherizing houses at a record rate using DOE regular and supplemental funding.

More information on the stimulus for energy can be found at http://www.energy.mn.gov. If you have questions, please contact us at energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710.