Blog

It’s been a fast-paced month as March winds down and the legislature hurries to meet legislative deadlines. This week we review the top three important things that took place in the clean energy world recently at the Minnesota Legislature.

We break down the five biggest takeaways from the just released Minnesota State Energy Factsheet, and how the clean energy community can leverage the new data.

February continued momentum in a very active early session for clean energy. Hot topics include improvements to commercial clean energy financing options, continuing discussions on community solar gardens in the Senate, a bill proposing requiring customers have access to their energy usage data, proposals for solar on schools, and changes to energy efficiency policies.

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy notes that upfront costs are a major barrier to pursuing energy efficiency projects, while solar PV installations and other renewable energy projects can face similar challenges.

Governor Walz declared February 13 as ‘Clean Energy Business Day’ across the state of Minnesota -- in large part due to the innovation and talents of the clean energy business community who have helped create nearly 60,000 jobs.

With another year behind us, it's time to look back at some of the biggest gains for clean energy in Minnesota!

Small and medium businesses represent 90% of US businesses and consume about 20% of US energy, but they attract less than 4% of utility energy efficiency spending. That’s why CEEM joined the Twin Cities Small Business Energy Initiative to support a local solution, led by the Great Plains Institute and the Lake Street Council, based off of work happening nationwide called the Small Business Energy Initiative.

As 2018 comes to a close, we reflected on some of the work we are most proud of from the past year. To our members, partners, and collaborators, thank you for working with us! We look forward to a productive 2019.

Did you know organic material like forest thinnings and manure from farm animals is a great source of energy? It’s called bioenergy and can be used to power heating, cooling, and generate electricity -- and at Koda Energy in Shakopee, Minnesota, that’s exactly what’s being done!

Koda Energy’s story is so fantastic the company was featured in this year’s video for National Bioenergy Day, check it out!

I’m passionate about addressing challenges to redefine our relationship with energy -- how it is generated, consumed, how companies can be innovative and grow, and how we can collectively do good things together in the energy sector.

There are many ways to arrive at the same conclusion: energy efficiency is just a smart business decision.

"Save energy. Save money. Anyone can be a part of the solution.” That is the battle cry of this year’s 3rd Annual Energy Efficiency Day - a day dedicated to celebrating the many benefits energy efficiency provides nationwide. Find out how you can participate locally and make a difference in your community, and on your energy bill!

Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) is pleased to announce the addition of Holly Lahd to its Board of Directors. Holly is the Lead Energy Program Manager at Target Corporation, where she analyzes utility rates, policies, and emerging energy trends to advance the company’s solar, energy storage, renewable energy, and climate goals across the country. 

There are many ways to tell the story of one of Minnesota’s most successful energy programs, called the Conservation Improvement Program or CIP. CEEM convened a recent legislator educational tour in Duluth. We were there to highlight that it’s cheaper to save energy (1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour) than buy energy (8 cents per kilowatt-hour). That little fact is at the heart of the CIP program, which works as a rebate program facilitated by our state’s utilities – like Minnesota Power or Xcel Energy, through the work provided by efficiency installers or design firms like LHB.

With ‘The Great Minnesota Get-Together’ and Labor Day behind us back to school season is in full swing. And, for high school students heading back to the classroom, this school year could be a pivotal time in selecting a future career path.

Connecting students with local professionals to observe career possibilities first-hand can make all the difference to youth looking for a fulfilling and successful career. For high growth clean energy jobs, which offer better than average wages and vast opportunities for advancement and growth, it is imperative to highlight these job opportunities to students in order to build a strong talent pipeline.

When most people hear the words ‘energy efficiency’ they might think of swapping out their light bulbs, or purchasing low-flow showerheads, little things they can do around their home or office to help lower their electricity bill.

CEEM, in partnership with the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) sought to help educate this traditional viewpoint recently at a tour we hosted with Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) at Cedar Creek Energy in Coon Rapids.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) is seeking a Director, Policy and Public Affairs to serve as an advocate and liaison for the organization to key industry stakeholders, as well as, elected officials, community leaders, and policymakers. This individual will monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments on state and federal issues and communicate and advise on issue status and potential impact to the organization. Reporting directly to CEEM’s Executive Director, this person will be a strategic thinker who looks several moves ahead and develops and implements strategies to ensure CEEM’s organizational interests are advanced in legislation and regulatory policy work.

In the middle of a hot summer it’s easy to appreciate a well-functioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system -- one that doesn’t make you freeze at your desk, while simultaneously requiring your coworker down the hall to use a fan. Fortunately, technology makes this goldilocks situation easier to achieve, and nearly effortless to detect when a system needs attention.

Another benefit that you may not realize is that while improving occupant comfort, this technology can also reduce the energy used by the building.

While solar panels and windmills are the hallmark of the renewables sector, it’s people who are the face of the energy efficiency sector in Minnesota. Energy efficiency employs more than 49,000 Minnesotans and makes up 86% of the clean energy jobs in our state.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) are hosting business roundtables this summer with Minnesota’s candidates for governor. On July 18 we had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Congressman Tim Walz. 

Walz arrived at our meetings with a confidence in the power and importance of Minnesota’s clean energy industry. In fact, he noted that he believes the future belongs to those who harness clean energy and create jobs.