Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Funding opportunities for Energy Improvements in Minnesota

Lack of funding is the most common hurdle to incorporating energy improvements. Luckily, there are a lot of options in Minnesota to help. Thank you to CERTS-NE for keeping track of these updates!

-A Request for Proposals (RFP) is posted for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) competitive funding; responses are being accepted through January 25, 2010. The RFP is available for download here.

-Questions and answers from the November 10, 2009 Local Government Programs Webinar are now available in the Resources section of the Department of Commerce website.

-Energy Saver residential energy efficiency rebates through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) are now available to those who qualify for Fix-up Fund loans. This includes funding for renewable energy. More information can be accessed here.

-Project ReEnergize, the residential energy efficiency rebate program, has limited remaining funds available. Homeowners can apply for rebates through eligible licensed contractors listed on the Project ReEnergize website. Rebates are available for qualifying energy efficiency improvements, including Energy Star window replacements, advanced attic air sealing, and attic and wall insulation.

-More information on stimulus-funded energy programs can be found at www.energy.mn.gov. If you have questions, please contact energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Lessons & Concepts for Advancing Community Wind

Are you or your community interested in wind energy, but are looking for concrete examples of successful projects from which to learn before you begin?


The Minnesota Project just released the report Lessons & Concepts for Advancing Community Wind, which seeks to advance the development of community-based wind projects in the United States. The report highlights keys to success and policy recommendations from three Midwestern wind project case studies. It can be a useful start for communities that are not only searching for information on the basic concept and structure of wind energy, but are also seeking strategies to address potential economic and political challenges.

Click here to download the report.

Click here to learn more about The Minnesota Project.