News

In this issue of CERTs Energy Stories: Get to know Keely Rau! From AmeriCorps to Ambassadors, she's helping others find their own paths. Plus the latest clean energy news, events, and opportunities in Minnesota!  

The ECO Income-Eligible Working Group will reconvene to explore how utility-administered, ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs can better serve under-resourced households across Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce seeks proposals for the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce seeks proposals from eligible schools for the Minnesota Air Ventilation Pilot Grant Program.

Earlier this month we asked about your energy saving plan, and fun fact, most of you clicked on the home energy audit links! Get more resources and inspiration to start your summer projects.

Home Energy Squad energy experts can help Minnesotans save energy by performing a home energy inspection with free upgrades. 

Our warmer weather months in Minnesota are a great time to assess how you can make a difference in your energy use, whether it's in the place you call home, the place where you work, or the place you spend time with your community. What could you do differently to save energy?

Introducing a Free Course for Community-Serving Facilities by the Clean Energy Group

The MN Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, is accepting applications for jurisdictions for the SolarAPP+ Solar Permitting Software.

Paid five-week in-person training to receive a credential in Building Science Principles. 

The League each year honors the special achievements of cities and city leaders with the City of Excellence Awards, C.C. Ludwig Award, James F. Miller Leadership Award, and Sustainable City Award.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget, along with other partners, are compiling information to help organizations learn more about elective pay tax credits. 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce seeks proposals to provide financial assistance to developers and producers of ultraefficient vehicles that use proprietary technology. 

The Large Building Energy Benchmarking program is a state-wide program aimed at increasing energy efficiency, decreasing operating costs and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This program requires owners of large commercial and multifamily properties to submit whole-building energy usage annually to the State of Minnesota. 

Minnesota GreenCorps is now accepting applications from organizations interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member for the 2025-2026 program year. Applications are due March 12.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce seeks proposals from qualified applicants throughout Minnesota for the Electric School Bus Grant Program.

The Department of Commerce will administer $1.08M in grants to local governments across Minnesota to examine the technical and economic feasibility of installing geothermal energy systems.  

Continuing to move Minnesota clean energy projects forward in 2025.

The Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships within the University of Minnesota Extension has several opportunities to support community-university partnerships this year!

The MN Department of Commerce will accept readiness assessments for round one funding though Feb. 10, 2025.

Minnesota Technical Assistance Collaborative's new resources include a grant portal and assistance directory.
 

Metro CERT is excited to welcome five new community and clean energy leaders to our steering committee! 

CERTs welcomes a second AmeriCorps member, Cole Felton (he/they), to Metro CERT at Great Plains Institute!
 

CERTs announces a pilot cohort program to advance clean energy projects across Minnesota. This inaugural initiative is part of the Community Energy Ambassadors program, where volunteers help people in their communities understand clean energy opportunities.