West Central Region
West Central CERT wants to fundamentally change the way energy is produced and consumed in its region’s communities and across the state
West Central Highlights
Vision and Focus: West Central CERT’s overarching vision is to use local resources to make both the region and the state energy self-sufficient. Much of the team’s efforts have focused on how to provide better education to the general public on each of their project priorities. This approach has led the team to develop projects that focus on demonstration, applied research and educational initiatives within each focal area. WC CERT is working primarily to implement projects in wind and biomass linked to education; education on hydrogen, geothermal and solar technologies; conservation coordination and demonstration; and biogas coordination of pilot projects coupled with education.

West Central Contact

Jeff Vetsch
West Central CERT Coordinator
Email, 320-212-4405
West Central Steering Committee
- Jim Barbour, University of Minnesota Morris
- John Baumgartner, Baumgartner Environics, Inc. and Board of the West Central Partnership
- Bob Bonawitz, UM West Central Regional Partnership Board & Willmar Utility Commission
- Eric Buchanan, University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center
- Jennifer Frost, Swift County RDA
- Cheryl Glaeser, Southwest Initiative Foundation
- Troy J. Goodnough, University of Minnesota Morris
- Dawn Hegland, Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission
- Sonya Kopet, Master Naturalist
- Steve Nelson, Environmental Well & Septic
- John Paulson, City of Hutchinson
- Bob Ryan, European Energy Connections
- Nancy Strand, Milan Sustainable Energy Utility
- Dan Tepfer, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative
- Jeff Vetsch, West Central CERT Coordinator
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
West Central Community Groups

Use our map of local community organizations to connect with a group in your part of the state! Explore map.
Upcoming West Central Events
Recent Blog Posts
West Central Case Studies
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




Clean Energy Resource Teams