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 for existing or new construction.
b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems.
c. Local 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.
- The Minneapolis Green Cost Share program is an example of a local government fund that supports solar and energy efficiency projects and gives priority to properties in Green Zones. The City of St. Louis Park has a similar solar cost-share program that provides higher cost share rates to census tracts identified as priorities for environmental justice.
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Promote local utility incentives to residents and businesses; promote available PACE financing; promote any local, state and federal financing tools and/or incentives available. Report where and how frequently promotions have been conducted. |
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Provide targeted outreach and education about resources to low-income households, historically marginalized communities, and minority-owned businesses; report the number of participants utilizing funding sources promoted, which sources were used, dollars lent and installed capacity in kW. |
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Use city funds or partner with a financial institution (local bank, investment firm) to create a renewable energy/energy efficiency loan product; leverage heating-assistance funds for renewables installation. Target funds and programming toward low-income households, historically marginalized communities, and minority-owned businesses. |
Who's doing it
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
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:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
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:
Year action initially completed: 2014
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/money saved:
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:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners: St. Paul Port Authority
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
Adopted commercial PACE financing in 2011 - First in Minnesota to do so.
The City of Edina’s Community Climate Action Fund is a cost share program where the City reimburses residents and businesses for some of the costs of clean energy, including for the adoption of energy-efficient building improvements, and for the installation of rooftop solar.
The City of Edina’s Community Climate Action Fund is a cost share program where the City reimburses residents and businesses for some of the costs of clean energy, including for the adoption of energy-efficient building improvements, and for the installation of rooftop solar.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Federal and municipal financial incentives for the installation of solar. Utility rebates for property owners of residential, commercial, multi-family, or industrial (private) properties for energy-efficient building improvements.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.edinamn.gov/1929/Community-Climate-Action-Fund
For more information contact:
Grace Hancock (City Staff) | ghancock@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners: MNSEIA, MN Dept. of Commerce, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), U.S. Department of Energy, MN Chamber of Commerce, Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy
Mankato -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
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:
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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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
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:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
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:
Year action initially completed: 2015
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/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://mtniron.com/utilities/business-energy-retrofit/
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:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
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:
Year action initially completed: 2016
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/money saved:
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:
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Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Winona -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
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/money saved:
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:
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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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.rreal.org/solar-assistance/
For more information contact:
Partners:
Robbinsdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The city promotes our Home Improvement Grant Program which finances clean energy projects, EV charging installation, and energy efficiency upgrades. The city does additional outreach about state and federal clean energy financing opportunities and programs on the city website and in social media, bi-annual newsletter, and bi-monthly utility bill insert.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.robbinsdalemn.com/city-government/city-departments/sustainability/energy
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Granite Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
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
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: No record available
Implementation details:
There are many rebate opportunities for La Crescent residents. The La Crescent website provides resources from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources and MiEnergy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/energy-rebate-programs/
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners:
Long Beach -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Worked with Xcel Energy to participate in their "Energy Efficient Buildings" (EEB) new construction rebate program when planning the Community Hub. This program reviews the design documents, makes recommendation, and then confirms completion.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
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For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Partners: Xcel Energy
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
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/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Rosemount -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
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/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julia Hogan (City Staff) | julia.hogan@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2052
Partners:
Saint Peter -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
Community solar brochure and utility rebates shared on city website
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.saintpetermn.gov/211/Utility-Billing
For more information contact:
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Partners: Saint Peter Electric Utility
Greenstep Advisor
Melissa Birch, Co-Director, Clean Energy Resource Teams: 218/866-2338, mbirch@umn.edu, www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org