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
Recent Blog Posts
Joel Haskard
Tue, 01/24/2012 - 5:26pm
As we kick off 2012, we are excited to announce the projects awarded CERTs seed grants in each of the seven Minnesota CERTs regions. Each region awarded $10,000 worth of seed grants, catalyzing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state. The funding is provided by the...
Dan Thiede
Mon, 01/23/2012 - 12:58pm
USDA Rural Development is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) authorized by the 2008 Farm...
Brittney Bray
Mon, 01/23/2012 - 10:31am
Throughout Minnesota, schools are making a conscious effort to promote energy efficiency – both in the classroom and in practice. Now, the Minnesota Department of Education is partnering with the U.S. Department of Education to recognize these schools with the newly launched Green Ribbon Schools...
Upcoming Southwest Events
Southwest Event Highlights
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...
Southwest Region on CERTs TV
Southwest Region Reports
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 Map
Southwest Community Groups
Use our map of local community organizations to connect with a group in your part of the state! Explore map.
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
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 Steering Committee
- David Benson, RMEB representative, County Commissioner
- Cheryl Glaeser, Southwest Initiative Foundation
- Brian Christiansen, NRCS, RC&D staff
- Stephen Davis, MNSCU – Marshall
- Holli Arp, UMN Extension
- John Oletjenbruns, RMEB representative, County Commissioner
- Jack Potter, RMEB representative, County Commissioner
- Paul Pierson, USDA
- Dennis Timmerman, AURI
- Kevin Vickerman, RMEB representative, County Commissioner
Stay Connected
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