Clean Energy Resource Teams

Our Mission

Southwest CERT is staffed by the Southwest Regional Development Commission, and many who participate in the SW CERT do so through the Rural Minnesota Energy Board. The Board came together to address issues surrounding the development of wind and other renewable energy development in Rural Minnesota.

The Southwest region includes Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Brown, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Rock, Nobles, Jackson, and Martin Counties.

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Contacts, Events, Get Involved, or Ask an Expert.

Meeting Notes

Visit the Rural Minnesota Energy Board’s Web site for past meeting minutes.

View the meeting notes and presentations from the last SW CERT meeting on Wind Development and Roads, Bridges & Land Use on February 11, 2008 in Windom, MN.

Case Studies

Past projects in the Southwest Region

Presentations

Regional Presentations

Project Focus

The Southwest Region’s overall goal is to export more renewable energy than energy it imports and consumes—this includes conservation measures to reduce consumption as well as use of renewable energy generated and used locally. The result will be less dependence on foreign sources of energy, a potential for adding value to base resources available in the SW CERT region, and implementing more environmentally friendly energy technologies. This will be accomplished through focus on three objectives:

• Encouraging energy conservation measures, beginning with energy audits.
• Increasing use of biofuels.
• Encourage the development of renewable energy projects.

Current Projects

• Wind development and its impact on infrastructure
• Redwood County Energy Independence
• Sleepy Eye Depot Energy Efficient Window Installation
• Offset costs for energy audits required of those applying for USDA 9006 Energy Efficiency program
• See full list for all regions >>

Publications

Strategic Energy Plan: Each regional team spent considerable time mapping regional energy use and identifying clean energy opportunities in its Regional Strategic Energy Plan. Read all the details on the Regional Plans page.

Other Publications:
Community Wind Development Handbook
Model Wind Ordinance and Companion Document
Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation Guide