Southwest Region
The Southwest Region’s overall goal is to export more renewable energy than energy it imports and consumes, in large part through conservation
Southwest Map
Southwest Highlights
Southwest CERT Objectives:
- Encouraging energy conservation measures, beginning with energy audits
- Increasing use of biofuels
- Encourage the development of renewable energy projects
Staffing: Southwest CERT is staffed by the Southwest Regional Development Commission, and many who participate 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.
Southwest Contact
Annette Bair
Southwest CERT Coordinator
SRDC
Email, 507-836-1631
Southwest Steering Committee
- Stephen Davis, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities – Marshall
- Anne Dybsetter, University of Minnesota Extension
- Cheryl Glaeser, Southwest Initiative Foundation
- Paul Pierson, US Department of Agriculture
- Steve Flohrs, Martin County Commissioner, RMEB
- Ken Hoime, Rock County Commissioner, RMEB
- John Oeltjenbruns, Cottonwood County Commissioner, RMEB
- Steve Ritter, Lyon County, RMEB
- Dennis Timmerman, Agriculture Utilization and Research Institute
At Large Members:
- Brian Christiansen, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Julie Rath, Redwood Area Development Corporation
- Mark Lindquist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Jennifer Prins, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership
- David Benson, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Energy Committee
Volunteer & Get Involved
Looking to get involved in your community and make connections with others in Minnesota who are passionate about clean energy and energy efficiency? There are lots of different ways to plug in. Learn more
Southwest Community Groups
Use our map of local community organizations to connect with a group in your part of the state! Explore map.
Stay Connected
Upcoming Southwest Events
Recent Blog Posts
MN Dept. of Commerce
Fri, 05/10/2013 - 11:47am
Short-term green energy training model shows great promise: A short-term green energy training program in northeastern Minnesota generated full-time, living wage jobs for seven grateful participants. But the program’s impact can be measured not only in job creation, but in the benefits to those who...
MN Dept. of Commerce
Wed, 05/08/2013 - 10:37am
The following is a sample of new energy-related funding opportunities being promoted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
RFP for Conservation Applied Research and Development Grant Program – Seeks proposals from organizations or individuals...
MN Dept. of Commerce
Tue, 05/07/2013 - 1:58pm
Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) enables extensive energy upgrade: When Chisago City purchased 70 acres of beautiful lakefront property just south of town in 2006, the acquisition presented a great opportunity. Not only did it allow Chisago City to establish Ojiketa Regional Park...
Southwest Case Studies
With a vast agricultural industry and resources spread over fields and acres, how do you measure the true renewable energy resources of Minnesota?...
In Fall 2001, the Pipestone-Jasper School District was awarded one of Xcel Energy’s Renewable Development Fund grants to construct a wind turbine....
Download a PDF of the case study
To learn more about Minwind III-IX, all of which came online in 2004, click here.
It took almost two years, but...
CERTs Supported Projects
CERTs awards mini-grants to community groups for energy efficiency and clean energy projects across Minnesota. We awarded grants in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. The average amount is $5,000. We have descriptions and maps of all of the projects that we’ve funded. Check them out to see what folks are doing! See projects
Southwest Region Reports
More Resources for the Southwest Region
Meeting Notes:
- Biogas Digesters, New Ulm – May 12, 2011
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.
Redwood Falls Wind Development & Land Use Workshop – April 26, 2010
- Meeting Notes
- Introduction & Overview (1.3mb pdf) — Annette Bair, Physical Development Director, SRDC & Southwest CERT Coordinator
- Minnesota State Permitting Process for Large Wind Energy Conversion Systems (1mb pdf) — Larry Hartman & Ingrid Bjorklund, Energy Facility Planning, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security
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.
- Community Wind Development Handbook
- Model Wind Ordinance and Companion Document
- Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation Guide
Clean Energy Resource Teams