Best Practice Action 26.3
GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic and Community Development
Renewable Energy No. 26
Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 3
Promote financing and incentive programs such as PACE for clean energy:
a. PACE for commercial property owners to install renewable energy systems, energy efficiency measures and EV charging infrastructure.
b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems.
c. Local/municipal utility renewable energy production incentives and rebates.
- Cities can promote Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing available through the many MN counties participating in PACE programs that finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to the buildings of commercial property owners.
- Guide to Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Financing Districts for Local Governments (University of California, Berkeley: 2009).
- Find local, state and federal financial resources and incentives from the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
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Partner with a local utility or with firms that lease and finance energy systems to offer a renewable energy/energy efficiency product. |
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Use city funds; partner with a financial institution (local bank, investment firm) to create a renewable energy/energy efficiency loan product, or leverage heating-assistance funds for renewables installation. |
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Join a PACE program available to Minnesota cities. Report number of participants, funding sources, dollars lent and installed capacity in kW. |
Who's doing it
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
Beltrami County signed into a Joint Powers Agreement with the Saint Paul Port Authority, establishing Beltrami County as a PACE district. Any business, non-profit, or multi-family housing unit in the county (therefore Bemidji) can utilize PACE to cover the up front financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/viewFile.cfm?id=3332
For more information contact:
Anna Carlson (Community volunteer) | amcarlson2@bemidjistate.edu | 218-755-2979
Partners: HRDC; CERTs
Cottage Grove -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
A PACE program has recently been approved in Cottage Grove who has a Joint Powers Agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority to offer a financing tool to commerical, industrial and non-profit buildings. The loan will provide opportunities to finance building upgrades that facilitate clean energy improvments.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
Partners:
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
In September 2014, the City of Duluth entered into a joint powers agreement with the Saint Paul Port Authority to "implement and administer their property assisted clean energy ("PACE") of Minnesota program" in Duluth.
Outcome measures/metrics:
No projects have closed so far; there is one in the works with Miller Hill Mall that is likely to go forward in the first quarter of 2017.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Nathan LaCoursiere (City staff) | nlacoursiere@duluthmn.org | 2187305490
Partners: St. Paul Port Authority
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City of Eden Prairie entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority. The St. Paul Port Authority is designated as the implementing entity to implement and administer the MN PACE program on behalf of the City.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tania Mahtani (City staff) | tmahtani@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8413
Partners: St. Paul Port Authority
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
Complete - Edina City Council adopted a PACE financing program (Edina Emerald Energy Program EEEP) for commercial entities at the 11-15-11 Council meeting. A $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce was obtained to set up a pilot project. If successful, EEEP may be extended to residential and/or water projects. As of 4-10-12, Grandview Tire and Auto has taken advantage of the program with a loan from the Clean Fund for a 27kW photovoltaic system. The amount of financing to Murphy Auto was $31,686; amount of the bond $33,690; the difference $2,004 was capitalized interest.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Tara Brown (City staff) | tbrown@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners: Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Assn. MnSEIA (Lynn Hinkle, Policy Director); Minnesota Dept. of Commerce
Mankato -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
City of Mankato is currently coordinating with St. Paul Port Authority in locally implementing and administering PACE program to facilitate HVAC improvements for three large apartment complexes in various locations throughout the City. Program adoption and implementation expected summer 2014.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Partners: St. Paul Port Authority
Maple Grove -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove passed an resolution in December of 2012 that established the city as a PACE district. We are now working with other government agencies (other cities, Hennepin County, St. Paul Port Authority, and the State of Minnesota) on the best way to move forward with a regional or state level PACE program.
We will also be working with our business community to let them know about programs such as the SPPA Trillion BTU Energy Efficiency Program.
We will also be working with our business community to let them know about programs such as the SPPA Trillion BTU Energy Efficiency Program.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
Partners: City of Edina, St. Paul Port Authority, State of Minnesota
Minnetonka -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City of Minnetonka has entered into a joint powers agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority. The St. Paul Port Authority is designated as the implementing entity to implement and administer the MN PACE program. The program provides a financial opportunity to construct or install energy efficient improvements.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Drew Ingvalson (City staff) | dingvalson@eminnetonka.com | 952-939-8293
Partners: St. Paul Port Authority
Mountain Iron -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City has entered into a joint powers agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority to implement PACE in our community.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Craig Wainio (City staff) | cwainio@ci.mountain-iron.mn.us | 218-748-7570
Partners: St Paul Port Authoity
Oakdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City of Oakdale has authorized the Saint Paul Port Authority as the city's PACE program administrator. This partnership allows the Saint Paul Port Authority to provide local businesses loan funding for energy-related improvements which are then repaid through a special assessment on the property.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Partners: Saint Paul Port Authority
Red Wing -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
On March 14, 2016, the City of Red Wing entered into a joint powers agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority to implement the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (“PACE OF MN”) locally.
Outcome measures/metrics:
The city of Red Wing makes available the PACE program to businesses. It has been promoted through Partners In Energy campaign efforts through 2016 into 2017. One application for PACE Program s in the process of being submitted to the St. Paul Port Authority.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners: City of Red Wing Sustainability Commission, R.W. Port Authority and St. Paul Port Authority
Roseville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
In 2015, Roseville approved an agreement with the St Paul Port Authority to administer programs that offer energy cost savings for local businesses. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) provides funding for up-front costs and low cost, long term financing. The program has provided the way for St. Christopher's Episcopal Church to install solar panels. The program is promoted on the city's web site and was presented in a recent newsletter.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Partners:
Winona -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
Winona County authorized PACE for the County in the summer of 2016. The City in partnership with CERTs and the Chamber of Commerce, held a "lunch and learn" for businesses to learn about the PACE program on April 18, 2017. Currently one 39.9 kw PV system funded by PACE exists within City limits. The City and partners will promote PACE through Xcel's Partners in Energy implementation process.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Number of businesses participating in PACE.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
Partners: CERTs, Winona County
Pine River -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
From the website of Pine River's Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL):
"At RREAL, we seek to address [fuel poverty] with solar energy. Our flagship program, Solar Assistance, installs solar heating systems in partnership with low-income families that qualify for public energy assistance."
Solar Assistance is a financing program that makes it possible for low-income families to afford and enjoy the benefits of RREAL's pioneering technology, the solar-powered furnace.
"At RREAL, we seek to address [fuel poverty] with solar energy. Our flagship program, Solar Assistance, installs solar heating systems in partnership with low-income families that qualify for public energy assistance."
Solar Assistance is a financing program that makes it possible for low-income families to afford and enjoy the benefits of RREAL's pioneering technology, the solar-powered furnace.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.rreal.org/solar-assistance/
For more information contact:
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
Although we don’t have a PACE program, the Intermediary Relending Program, the Minnesota Innovation Fund and Business Development of Fergus Falls funds would all fund programs that would request funding for such equipment
Outcome measures/metrics:
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For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City staff) | len.taylor@ci.fergus-falls.mn.us | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Granite Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City of Granite Falls offers financial rebates for lighting, Commercial/Industrial rebates along with heating/cooling, and appliance rebates.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Give financial incentive to be more energy efficient.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Crystal Johnson (City staff) | crystal.johnson@granitefalls.com | 320-56-3011
Partners: CMPAS, City of Granite Falls
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The city has partnered with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) since 2013 to offer various commercial, non-profit, and rental improvement programs. Programs include Energy Savings Fund for Non-Profits, Commercial Energy Efficiency Loan Program, Energy Intelligence for Industry, One-Step Efficiency Shop Lighting Retrofits, and Existing Building Commissioning.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City staff) | jalger@ci.new-hope.mn.us | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Rosemount -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The City regularly shares information via social media regarding opportunities for residents to receive energy audits from local utilities such as Xcel Energy and Minnesota Energy Resources.
Outcome measures/metrics:
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For more information contact:
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The city of Maplewood currently is looking at setting up a PACE financing program in place for residence who wish to install renewable energy technologies. There has been preliminary discussions with the St. Paul Port Authority on this topic and the documents are currently being reviewed by the city.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Jason Brash (City staff) | Jason.brash@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2324
Partners: St. Paul Port Authority
Royalton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Implementation details:
The cities of Little Falls, Pierz and Royalton are participating in the Small Cities Development Program which allows both residential and commercial businesses to do energy upgrades. Commercial businesses can borrow up to $37,500 at 0% for one third, 1% for another third and the final third is owner's match. As the business pays off the 1% that money goes into the city as a revolving loan fund and can be used by others to do energy upgrades.
Outcome measures/metrics:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Lissa Pawlisch, Statewide Coordinator, Clean Energy Resource Teams: 612/624-2293, pawl0048@umn.edu, www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org