February 28, Dear Ms. Burdette:

Transcription

1 MINNESOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE February 28, 2014 Ms. Jessica Burdette Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources 85 7th Place East, Suite 500 St. Paul, MN RE: Minnesota Waste Wise: 2013 Year-End Report for the Energy Smart Alternative Conservation Improvement Program (CIP), Docket No. E,G002/CIP Dear Ms. Burdette: Minnesota Waste Wise respectfully submits the following 2013 activity report for the Energy Smart Alternative Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). Leveraging the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce s strengths and resources as the largest business organization in Minnesota, Energy Smart s mission is to help the state successfully reach energy savings goals described in the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. Thank you for the opportunity to continue assisting Minnesota businesses with energy efficiency and increasing participation in utility conservation improvement programs. Sincerely, Jill Curran Executive Director Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation 400 ROBERT STREET NORTH, SUITE 1500, ST. PAUL, MN T: 651/ / F: 651/

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3 MINNESOTA WASTE WISE FOUNDATION ENERGY SMART 2013 ANNUAL REPORT saving energy is smart business

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Energy Smart 2013 Annual Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...2 PROGRAM RESULTS...4 AUDIT AND UPGRADE RESULTS...8 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS...10 SUCCESS STORIES...12 NEW INITIATIVES...16 CONCLUSION...19

5 INTRODUCTION TPC Twin Cities upgraded interior lights and expects to save 78,845 kwh, and $10,798 in energy and maintenance costs annually - 1 -

6 saving energy is smart business EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Energy Smart: Broadening reach and strengthening partnerships Energy Smart is pleased to provide this report summarizing our program activities for In 2013 the program achieved important milestones in our efforts to reduce energy use among Minnesota businesses. Energy Smart s internal planning data shows energy savings among participating businesses that completed upgrades. s The program facilitated and verified 66 upgrades. s 59 of the upgrades were electrical and yielded energy reductions totaling 1,001,635 kwh. s The electrical upgrades produced Year 1 energy cost savings totaling $83,715. The program expanded its service area through a new contract with Connexus Energy, a utility with which Energy Smart had not previously worked. The program developed a closer alliance with the Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center representatives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Denver, Colorado serving as boots on the ground to complete the upgrade cycle. The Energy Smart program completed the 2013 reporting year under budget. The program continues to implement the successful community focus model of engaging businesses. Energy Smart staff conducted 279 onsite energy consultations. By year s end, program staff provided 2,010 personalized energy efficiency services to more than 708 businesses in 111 cities. Energy Smart also continued to target follow-up practices for businesses with the highest probability for upgrade. Verification of upgrades and completion of utility rebate applications In 2013, Energy Smart staff continued to verify that upgrades were completed and a utility rebate application was on file so that the utility could mark the kwh savings for each upgrade. Staff also completed 23 rebate applications and submitted them to the utility (19 of which were for Xcel Energy customers). Energy Smart also discovered five upgrades that were completed but a rebate application had not been submitted. Staff ensured that rebate applications were filed for these upgrades so that the utility could put them in their system. Upgrade projects in 2013 were smaller than previous years averaging 18,093 kwh in 2013 versus 32,030 kwh in However, the types of upgrade in 2013 were broader in scope with 66% being lighting related versus 98% in Overcoming lower T12 lighting rebates The program continued to be successful at facilitating T12 lighting upgrades despite lower utility rebates in Though convincing businesses to implement T12 lighting projects was more challenging, Energy Smart facilitated six T12 lighting upgrades in 2013 versus 21 in The program also confirmed that 20 LED lighting upgrades were completed as a result of Energy Smart s assistance. In order to fill the gap created by a decrease in T12 lighting upgrades, program staff continued to identify and pursue upgrade opportunities that focused on new technologies and underperforming utility CIP programs such as compressed air. We look forward to effectively advancing utility CIP programs not focused on lighting

7 saving energy is smart business EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CONT D Providing geographically concentrated services Energy Smart provided services to businesses located in the 111 cities noted on the map below. The vast majority of services were provided in the Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power service areas, while 104 services were also provided to Connexus Energy customers due to a new contract with this utility. Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Waste Wise members also continued to receive services regardless of where they are located in the state. ENERGY SMART SERVICES BY CITY Albany - 5 Albertville - 1 Altura - 1 Andover - 3 Apple Valley - 1 Arden Hills - 3 Atwater - 1 Avon - 11 Belgrade - 1 Blaine - 11 Bloomington - 5 Brooklyn Center - 1 Chanhassen - 3 Circle Pines - 3 Columbia Heights - 2 Coon Rapids - 3 Currie - 1 Eagan - 6 Eden Prairie - 26 Edina - 2 Faribault - 1 Foley - 7 Forest Lake - 2 Fridley - 2 Ham Lake - 5 Hopkins - 22 Hutchinson - 1 Jasper - 1 Kimball - 1 Lexington - 1 Lino Lakes - 2 Maple Grove - 1 Maplewood - 1 Minneapolis - 14 Minnetonka - 3 New Hope - 1 New Munich - 1 North Mankato - 1 Northfield - 2 Pipestone - 11 Plymouth - 6 Prescott - 1 Ramsey - 1 Red Wing - 1 Robbinsdale - 1 Rogers - 1 Roseville - 16 Saint Cloud - 2 Saint Louis Park - 1 Saint Paul - 27 Saint Paul Park - 1 Saint. Michael - 1 Sartell - 2 Sauk Rapids - 1 Savage - 1 Shoreview - 1 Slayton - 1 South Saint Paul - 1 South Trosky - 1 Spring Lake Park - 2 St Louis Park - 1 St Michael - 2 Stillwater - 2 Waconia - 19 Waite Park - 1 Watertown - 1 Wayzata - 1 White Bear Lake - 3 Winona - 2 Winsted - 1 Woodbury - 5 Wyoming

8 PROGRAM RESULTS Blue Heron Grill upgraded interior lighting and expects to reduce energy use by 31,875 kwh annually - 4 -

9 saving energy is smart business OUTREACH RESULTS Energy Smart continued to focus program outreach and follow-up communication efforts on quality of contacts over quantity. In 2013, 1,563 new businesses were contacted and 279 site visits were completed. About 18% of the new businesses contacted received Energy Smart services (up from 15% in 2012). The program continued to form new partnerships with community stake holders, hit the streets in targeted communities and knock on doors of as many businesses as possible. In 2013, Energy Smart also strengthened its partnership with the Xcel Energy Business Solution Centers (BSC) in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Denver, Colorado. Serving as boots on the ground for the BSC, Energy Smart handled 66 referrals from the BSC and visited 47 of the businesses referred. See more about the BSC partnership in the New Initiatives section on page 16. Energy Smart staff explains the benefits of occupancy sensors in the breakroom of a business in St. Paul OUTREACH RESULTS ACTUAL Xcel Energy Customers GOAL Xcel Energy Customers ACTUAL Other Utilities New Businesses Directly Contacted Follow-Up Communication Attempts Businesses Reached Through Direct Mail A successful program begins with effective outreach. In 2013, Energy Smart continued to leverage its relationship with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Waste Wise program. All new Chamber members received a letter from the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation Executive Director inviting them to take advantage of Energy Smart services. At least three follow-up calls were also made to each new member. Energy Smart puts a significant amount of effort into pursuing new Waste Wise and Chamber members because the program realizes the highest new contact to upgrade conversion rate for this population

10 saving energy is smart business OUTREACH RESULTS CONT D Energy Smart staff also conducted community focus efforts in more than 13 communities, including the cities of Albany, Andover, Avon, Blaine, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Foley, Fridley, Ham Lake, Hopkins, Pipestone, Roseville, and Waconia (see chart below for distribution of community contacts and upgrades). Onsite visits were completed at 152 businesses in these communities, and at year-end, 18 energy upgrades are known to have taken place. Follow-up work continues to take place in these communities with additional upgrades expected in Activity in Andover, Blaine, and Ham Lake were primarily a result of the new contract with Connexus Energy. This work was completed in conjunction with a contract for waste services that the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation holds with Anoka County. Whenever Waste Wise staff are on site conducting waste audits they look for energy efficiency opportunities and recommend Energy Smart services where opportunities exist. Staff have been able to convert 100% of these leads into an Energy Smart service. Our work in Pipestone was a result of an Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center lead for an electrician who lives and works in the area. Sixteen site visits were completed over two days in the Pipestone area. Energy Smart also worked closely with several local chambers of commerce to create openings with area businesses for program outreach. With the success of micro-targeted outreach initiatives, Energy Smart will continue to develop new outreach strategies related to a specific technology or CIP rebate program

11 saving energy is smart business SERVICE RESULTS Energy Smart is a resource for small- to mid-sized businesses and onsite energy consultations are still the best method of engaging them. In 2013, Energy Smart staff conducted 255 onsite consultations in the Xcel Energy service area and 24 in other utility service areas. Technicians identify all potential opportunities, then recommend one to three options for immediate action. A summary of options is left with the business and a top three list is ed within a week. Energy Smart follows up at least three times to encourage implementation. SERVICE RESULTS ACTUAL XCEL ENERGY CUSTOMERS GOAL XCEL ENERGY CUSTOMERS ACTUAL OTHER UTILITIES Site Visits Completed Number of times Specific CIP Info Given Number of times Natural Gas CIP Info Given Number of times Renewable Info Given Number of times Behavioral Change Info Given An average of five CIP services were provided to each business visited by Energy Smart staff. These services included information on utility prescriptive rebates, custom rebate information, CEE lighting audit referral, etc. The top five services provided in 2013 are: 1. Xcel Energy Turn Key Services program information 2. Xcel Energy lighting rebate form 3. Xcel Energy custom efficiency rebate information 4. Xcel Energy cooling efficiency rebate information 5. Xcel Energy motors and drives rebate information As mentioned previously in this document, Energy Smart also secured a contract in 2013 with Connexus Energy. The utility s staff requested that Energy Smart provide an in-depth lighting analysis for all interested customers and this work continues. In addition, projects in International Falls (a community focus in 2012) continued to roll in throughout Energy Smart also significantly increased the number of times it provided information on behavioral change to businesses. The program exceeded this goal by nearly 400% in In addition, though the program did not have an implementation goal for conservation changes, Energy Smart was able to verify that 71 conservation changes took place among the businesses it worked with in

12 AUDITS AND UPGRADES New high efficiency rooftop unit installed at Eden Prarie Gas - 8 -

13 saving energy is smart business AUDIT AND UPGRADE RESULTS Facilitating audits and upgrades continues to require a significant amount of effort. Energy Smart makes an average of six follow-up contacts to each business that receives an on-site consultation. Businesses receiving the most contact attempts are those that we ve determined are most likely to upgrade if given the right kind of attention. In 2013, these follow-up efforts resulted in 66 energy upgrades (59 for Xcel Energy customers and 7 for other utility customers). Fifty-nine of the upgrades were electric and seven upgrades were natural gas. Upgrades took place in 33 cities throughout the state. In 2012, 98% of the upgrades facilitated by Energy Smart were lighting related. In 2013, 66% of the upgrades facilitated were lighting a non-lighting upgrade increase of 32%. ENERGY SMART-FACILITATED ELECTRIC & NATURAL GAS UPGRADES BY CITY Energy Smart continues to work closely with the CEE One Stop Lighting program and facilitated 39 lighting audits in The program also provided 641 conservation recommendations during the year. One area that Xcel Energy asked Energy Smart to focus on was the new Turn Key Services program. Staff provided 453 businesses with specific information on this program and three businesses have participated in the program as a result of this effort. Energy Smart staff also increased the number of nonlighting upgrades facilitated. Albany - 1 Albertville - 1 Avon - 1 Becker - 1 Big Lake - 1 Blaine - 1 Brooklyn Center - 1 Chanhassen - 1 Columbia Heights - 1 Coon Rapids - 2 Eagan - 2 Edina - 1 Fridley - 1 Ham Lake - 1 Hugo - 1 International Falls - 2 Inver Grove Heights- 2 Lino Lakes - 3 Minneapolis - 6 Montevideo - 1 New Hope - 3 North Mankato - 1 North St. Paul - 1 Northfield - 2 Pipestone - 2 Prior Lake - 1 Robbinsdale - 1 Roseville - 2 Saint Cloud - 1 Saint Paul - 14 Stillwatter - 1 Waconia - 5 Wyoming - 1 AUDIT & UPGRADE RESULTS ACTUAL XCEL ENERGY CUSTOMERS GOAL XCEL ENERGY CUSTOMERS ACTUAL OTHER UTILITIES CEE Pre-Screen Forms Sent Audits Facilitated Electric Upgrades Completed Natural Gas Audits Completed Natural Gas Upgrades Completed

14 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Minnesota Chamber of Commerce steps up promotion of Energy Smart program

15 saving energy is smart business MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION RESULTS In 2013, the Energy Smart web site and Energy $ense blog continued to be primary components of program communication. Twenty-one Energy $ense blogs were posted in Topics ranged from new studies about energy efficiency to ways to recharge as an energy efficiency leader. Specific topics this year included: Fueled by Utility Rebates, Energy Efficiency Projects May Double by Tips for Attracting Customers through Energy Efficiency 4 Ways to Get Public Attention for Energy Efficiency Small Devices are Devouring Energy New and Cool in Lighting Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn social media efforts continued through the year. These outlets are used to share timely information and energy-related news articles with Minnesota business owners. Social media is also used to promote the Energy $ense blog and other communications related to CIP programs. As of December 31, 2013, Energy Smart s Facebook page had 898 Likes and its Twitter account had 1,873 followers. The program also has 257 LinkedIn connections. Though it continues to be difficult to trace which social media efforts turned into outreach leads, it s a valuable tool in promoting Energy Smart program services and new developments in energy efficiency to the business community. The program continues to leverage opportunities for turning social media connections into service leads. In 2013, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (MCC) increased its promotion of the Energy Smart program. In January, an ad for Energy Smart was featured in the Business Views monthly newsletter, and five feature stories on Energy Smart successes with Minnesota Chamber members appeared throughout the year. The Business Views newsletter is sent to 6,632 contacts each month. The MCC communication staff also lined up a story about Energy Smart s onsite energy consultation in the Twin Cities Business Journal, published in June The MCC regularly promotes Energy Smart through its social media channels as well. The Energy Notes e-newsletter continued to be utilized to promote program successes and feature new initiatives. Three editions of Energy Notes were mailed to more than 4,000 addresses each time throughout the year. Stories on financial incentives, energy efficiency resources and opportunities for education continue to be the most read content in the Energy Notes e-newsletter. The Energy Notes e-newsletter was reformatted late in the year to make the layout more clean, links to useful materials more seamless, and the general user experience more engaging

16 SUCCESS STORIES O Gara s upgraded interior lighting and is expected to save 85,964kWh annually

17 LARSON S PRINTING INVESTS IN LEDS REBATES CUT CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR MIDWEST STEEL AND ALUMINUM After three years of follow-up and assistance, Larson s Printing invests in LED lamps Larson s Printing of Northfield found savings through an onsite evaluation from Energy Smart. As the owner of the screen printing and embroidery business, Kurt Larson became interested in reducing energy use through a focused community outreach initiative by Energy Smart, and later requested an onsite assessment of the company s facility. Energy Smart worked with Larson to choose the right energy-savings approach. Now Larson s Printing is saving money using LEDs to light the shop. Kurt Larson says the assessment made a difference, noting that it made him aware of options for cost savings and, more importantly, rebates. Energy Smart explained the benefits of cutting our electrical demands, said Larson. They calculated our current use, what it would be after the [LED] retrofit and then suggested which bulbs would work best and would qualify for a utility rebate. Larson s Printing upgraded 94 interior incandescent lamps and two exterior metal halide wall packs to efficient LEDs. The upgrade is estimated to save $1, and 19,763 kwh annually. Larson also adds, One of the biggest benefits is not having to spend so much time purchasing, stocking and changing light bulbs. I have already recommended Energy Smart s services to several others. Midwest Steel and Aluminum turned to Energy Smart for multiple projects, helping the business save $3,000 by tapping utility rebates Having worked with Energy Smart in 2012 on a successful lighting upgrade, President Jerry Rako of Midwest Steel and Aluminum contacted Energy Smart again when the company added a 15,000 square foot addition to their facility. Rako was eager to apply for rebates to lower construction costs, but was not sure what rebates were available. Energy Smart was able to help us determine which equipment would qualify for rebates through our utility providers, says Rako. Without their assistance we may not have made some of the changes or received rebates. Midwest Steel and Aluminum received more than $3,000 in utility rebates for lighting and HVAC systems installed in their new service center, in addition to saving 31,199 kilowatt hours of energy use every year. Energy Smart staff assisted with an inventory of the new equipment and filled out the rebate applications. All that was required from Rako were copies of project invoices and his signature on the rebate forms. The rebates saved money in the short run while the investment in energy efficient systems will continue to return savings for years to come. Energy Smart is a great program, said Rako. I would definitely recommend it to others

18 IT S A HOLE IN ONE FOR LEDS AT TPC TWIN CITIES NEW BOILER PUMPS BOOST EFFICIENCY FOR PIPESTONE HOUSING AHORITY TPC Twin Cities is lighting up their clubhouse with LEDs and saving up to $800 a month As the only private PGA Tour-owned property and golf course in Minnesota, TPC Twin Cities offers unparalleled amenities and premier facilities. Senior General Manager Alan Cull is committed to operating the 31,000 square-foot clubhouse in Blaine as efficiently as possible, and last year focused on cutting electricity costs. Energy Smart encouraged Cull to consider converting to LED lighting. LEDs use far less electricity, and newer bulb designs offer more versatile and attractive lighting choices suitable for the member clubhouse. The business advantages of investing in the technology as soon as possible were made even more appealing with Connexus Energy s rebate program. Energy Smart came to our site and explained the program and the LED lighting benefits, Cull said as he reflected on his decision to go forward with the upgrade. They went through point-by-point how it would benefit the club. As a result of Energy Smart s assistance, TPC Twin Cities switched over 373 lights to LEDs. The company will recover investment costs in less than one year after receiving $6,700 in rebates from Connexus Energy. In addition, their monthly savings will range from $500-$800, cutting the facility s electric bill by 10-12%. We are very pleased with the results of the LED light conversion, praises Cull. The Energy Smart team made it a seamless transition, connected us with the people at Connexus Energy, and we are pleased with the results. New variable-speed drives allow the Pipestone Housing Authority to control their boiler system more efficiently When the City of Pipestone Housing Authority installed a new boiler control system, Energy Smart traveled to southwestern Minnesota to provide assistance. Staff helped the organization navigate the utility rebate process and identify additional opportunities to increase energy efficiency. Energy Smart s analysis pointed to potential savings for the boiler system controls. Demand for heat from the Housing Authority s boiler varied greatly throughout the day, but existing system controls did not adjust to the fluctuations. With guidance from Energy Smart, the Housing Authority invested in variable-speed drives (VSDs) which allow for fluctuating pump speeds, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs to run the system. The Housing Authority learned financial incentives were available through their utility for upgrading their controls, and Energy Smart helped them receive rebates for the new equipment. Energy Smart answered all of our questions and they took care of the paperwork for us. I was very impressed with the help I received from Energy Smart, explains Tammy Manderscheid, onsite manager. Energy Smart also recommended that the Housing Authority install new LED lighting systems and motion sensors. It is estimated that the organization will save 8,926 kilowatt hours per year. By investing in these new efficient systems, Manderscheid explains that, The projects have saved our maintenance staff time and money

19 TEA GARDEN TAKES ON LED LIGHTING AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS SAINT PAUL HOTEL LEADS THE WAY WITH LED LIGHTING Tea Garden has five locations in the Twin Cities and has achieved significant savings by working with Energy Smart to invest in LED lighting With five locations throughout the Twin Cities, Tea Garden, a specialty tea bar that opened its doors in Minnesota in 2002, had tremendous opportunity for energy and cost savings. By completing on-site assessments for each location with owner Nick Nguyen and running a cost savings analysis, Energy Smart determined that upgrading incandescent bulbs to LEDs would have the biggest impact on reducing energy usage. Nguyen decided to immediately implement the lighting upgrade at two stores and worked with Energy Smart to apply for the utility rebates. We were not aware that there were rebates available that would make the initial investment easier for us, Says Nick. Energy Smart filled out our rebate application and got it to the right person at Xcel Energy. We would have spent a lot of time just figuring out how to navigate the process if we didn t have their help. The Tea Garden is reducing energy consumption by 19,673 kilowatt hours and is saving $1,529 annually. In addition to these savings, the company is replacing fewer bulbs and thereby reducing maintenance issues. Nick explains, Not only are we reducing electricity use, but we are saving money in the long run and spending less time replacing light bulbs. The local chain plans to continue working with Energy Smart to upgrade the lighting at the remaining locations. By replacing incandescent lamps with efficient LED lighting, The Saint Paul Hotel is saving $12,000 annually The Saint Paul Hotel is an historic, award winning establishment in the heart of downtown Saint Paul with a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. As such, the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation s Energy Smart and Waste Wise program staff contacted the hotel to help further their sustainability initiatives. After completing a comprehensive on-site consultation with the Director of Operations, Ken Wieber, the foundation assisted with the implementation of new recycling programs and energy efficiency projects, resulting in significant savings. With Energy Smart s assistance, the hotel tested numerous LED lamps and successfully found models with the specific lighting color and output to match the hotel s current ambience. Three separate LED lighting projects took place spanning the hotel s hallways, restaurant and conference rooms. All told, 223 incandescent lamps were replaced with high efficiency LED lights, reducing the hotel s total annual energy consumption by 140,247 kilowatt hours and saving over $12,000 a year. Energy Smart is continuing to work with and support The Saint Paul Hotel to identify additional energy efficiency projects, and is expecting even more savings opportunities in the near future

20 NEW INITIATIVES SRS Acquisition Corp is working with Energy Smart to update its facility lighting with help from Xcel Energy rebates

21 saving energy is smart business PROGRAM SERVICES Energy Smart strives to improve program operations and services at every opportunity so we may help more businesses benefit from reduced energy use and operating costs. Below are several new or enhanced initiatives rolled out during Xcel Energy Business Solution Center Alliance Early in the year Energy Smart met with the Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center (BSC) representatives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The BSC representatives learned first-hand about what Energy Smart does and about its long-standing partnership with Xcel Energy. Though Energy Smart staff have historically communicated with BSC representatives, until this year there had not been a strategic partnership in place. In 2013 Energy Smart achieved the following milestones for this new initiative: 66 referrals received from BSC 47 site visits performed 78 follow-up services completed 6 electric upgrades, 4 retroactive upgrades (upgrades previously made of which BSC was not aware) 1 natural gas upgrade, 1 retroactive upgrade This new initiative allows the Xcel Energy BSC and Energy Smart be more effective at serving organizations located in greater Minnesota. Energy Smart forms stronger alliance with Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center Today, BSC representatives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Denver, Colorado regularly call on Energy Smart to serve as their boots on the ground to work on site with businesses to ensure implementation, an important element of success that Energy Smart has the experience to provide. While on site at a BSC referral, Energy Smart staff helps the business identify and get started on projects, determine whether equipment upgrades qualify for a rebate, and complete rebate applications as needed. Energy Smart visited 16 organizations in Pipestone When a lead comes to a BSC representative from a specific city or region, the BSC works with Energy Smart to identify other businesses in the area that might benefit from energy efficiency services. In September, for example, a BSC representative in Denver referred a lead to Energy Smart for a small restaurant in Pipestone. The contact there was a local electrician who was working with the restaurant and more than 15 other organizations in the area. In October, Energy Smart spent two days in Pipestone and performed successful site visits at 16 organizations, including the Pipestone Housing Authority (see success story on page 14), all a result of the new strategic relationship with BSC

22 ENERGY SMART SECURES CONTRACT WITH CONNEXUS ENERGY MINNESOTA POWER PROJECT - ENLIGHTENING RAINY RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Minnesota Power (MP) requested that Energy Smart lead a project at Rainy River Community College (RRCC) in International Falls. From the outset it was important that the project include opportunities for student participation and learning, and encourage the involvement of the greater International Falls community. Working with MP and RRCC, a project plan was completed in December The Connexus Energy contract allowed Energy Smart to help Network Liquors receive a custom rebate for a new LED sign Energy Smart began a new alliance under a 6-month contract with Connexus Energy beginning in July, The contract work was completed in conjunction with a contract for waste services that the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation holds with Anoka County. While Waste Wise staff members were on site looking for waste-related opportunities, they also kept an eye out for energy efficiency opportunities, and when they were identified, staff recommended an energy consultation by Energy Smart. Waste Wise staff were able to convert 100% of these referrals into an Energy Smart service. Following are the results of Energy Smart s work in the Connexus Energy service area over a six month period. 22 on-site energy consultations performed 104 energy services provided 2 upgrades completed (9.25 kw, 18,752 kwh) 4 projects in progress (11.10 kw, 39,116 kwh) Connexus Energy has contracted to continue working with Energy Smart in 2014 Rainy Hall student housing located on the campus of Rainy River Community College in International Falls The goals of the project are as follows: Increase installation of LED lighting and power strips in 25 student apartments on campus. Promote behavioral change among RRCC staff and students. Increase awareness of the value and applicability of energy efficiency among RRCC staff and students by incorporating practices into classroom curriculum. Promote community involvement through an energy efficiency sales event with a local business. Develop a model that can be replicated at other college campuses within Minnesota Power service areas. Project kick-off is scheduled for January

23 CONCLUSION Energy Smart conducted an on-site consultation at a manufacturer in Northfield to help identify energy savings opportunities

24 saving energy is smart business CONCLUSION We are pleased that our work at Energy Smart actively contributes to a more sustainable future for Minnesota. The Energy Smart team, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (MCC), and the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation are honored to engage Minnesota businesses every day to increase energy conservation, reduce waste, and boost business competitiveness. The companies we work with may not always realize that each step they take toward energy efficiency moves Minnesota ahead in reaching our state s energy use goals. Energy Smart helps businesses see that beyond moneysaving investments in efficient equipment or processes they may also benefit from employee and customer engagement, community collaboration, improving standards within industries, and creating market demand for sustainable technologies, materials, and practices. To engage more businesses and organizations in energy efficiency we must first reach them with education, expertise and services. Working closely with the MCC and local chambers gives Energy Smart the ability to target and access business networks throughout the state. Because MCC is a respected supporter of Minnesota businesses, doors open and important conversations begin. In 2013, this was particularly helpful for concentrated outreach in the Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Connexus Energy service areas. Looking ahead to 2014, we will expand business outreach, connect to more businesses and implement more upgrades. Energy Smart continues to run a fiscally-responsible program while offering customized services appropriate to the unique needs of each business. We spend wisely and verify results to ensure high fiduciary standards. In 2013 we significantly increased data collection to document projected energy efficiency gains for each project. We have been diligent in documenting rebates for upgrades facilitated by Energy Smart so utilities have the data they need to verify rebate results. The ability to quantify and analyze energy savings is important for those who evaluate our outcomes, including the Department of Energy Resources and our program funders; it is essential for our internal commitment to continuous quality improvement. In 2013, as in past years, Energy Smart demonstrated results by successfully engaging Minnesota businesses, guiding them to energy utility CIPs, analyzing energy-saving opportunities, documenting program outcomes, and operating with a balanced budget. Less-often measured are the smiles from company owners/managers who realize measurable gains from energy efficiency investments in their manufacturing, hospitality, retail, healthcare, warehousing, and other businesses. Successful projects create new business ambassadors for Energy Smart. We look forward to assisting each and every business customer we engage in the year ahead. Thank you for trusting us to do so professionally and cost-effectively

25 ENERGY SMART STAFF Jill Curran Executive Director Ryan Verhulst, CEM Energy Smart Program Manager Hannah Swee Sustainability Specialist PROGRAM FUNDERS This report was submitted by the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation on February 28, Robert Street North, Suite 1500, Saint Paul, Minnnesota