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 Map
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.
Stay Connected
Upcoming West Central Events
Recent Blog Posts
Kristi Loobeek
Fri, 06/14/2013 - 2:55pm
The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources has issued a formal invitation for potential contractors to submit White Papers concerning two topics in the State of Minnesota’s energy future.
The first topic to be addressed is microgrid development for energy assurance...
Eliza Leahy
Fri, 06/14/2013 - 9:52am
Food service businesses—mostly restaurants and grocery stores—use 2.5 times more energy than the average commercial business. Think about it: all the stoves, ovens, heat lamps, dish washers, refrigerators, and fryers turning out meal after meal. It makes sense that they are energy intensive....
Kristi Loobeek
Thu, 06/13/2013 - 2:43pm
Honeywell has announced that it will be launching a city-controlled thermostat system to be used in homes. When a city’s energy demand spikes, the municipalities will enable an energy-reducing strategy with an automated demand response (ADR) to the participating homes.
In summer months,...
West Central Case Studies
In 2009, the University of Delaware created a model that helps to more effectively provide communities with support and information about...
West Central Minnesota has been the hub of much excitement with the beginning of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) program, which engages teams of youth...
As the clean energy movement sweeps quickly, yet quietly, across Minnesota, communities are discovering new and unique opportunities for renewable...
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