Energy Resources

Tip Sheets

• Energize Saint Paul and Xcel Energy: How to Benchmark
• Energize Saint Paul and Xcel Energy HVAC Tips
• Energize Saint Paul and Xcel Energy Scheduling Tips

Newsletters

• Energize Saint Paul: Energy Benchmarking (June 2018)
• Energize Saint Paul: Tune Up Your Air Conditioning System (July 2018)
• Energize Saint Paul: Efficient Equipment Scheduling (August 2018)

Webinars

• Energize Saint Paul: Intro to Energy Benchmarking (July 2018)

Benchmarking

• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool to measure and track energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
• Portfolio Manager Training Resources contains how-to documents, annotated slide sets, reference sheets, demonstration videos, and a schedule of upcoming training webinars.
• Portfolio Manager FAQs and Question Submission
• Xcel Energy's Energy Benchmarking Service User Guide provides step-by-step instructions to connect your Xcel Energy and Portfolio Manager accounts, so energy data can be automatically uploaded.

Energy Assessment and Study Assistance Programs

• Xcel Energy’s Multi-family Building Efficiency program offers a free, whole-building energy audit, free consulting support and, some on-site installations, resulting in incentive-based solutions to help multifamily building managers address whole-building energy efficiencies.
• Xcel Energy’s Turn Key Services is a low-cost, ASHRAE Level 1 energy assessment that includes a detailed energy report, a recommissioning study for buildings 5,000 – 75,000 square feet, and/or free project implementation assistance and bundled rebates for efficiency projects.
• Xcel Energy’s Recommissioning Study rebate provides study funding up for to 75% of the cost (max. $25,000), rebates for implementing energy conservation opportunities, and fast-track rebates for improvements based on a non-Xcel Energy study. Tune up existing functional systems to run as efficiently as possible through low- and no-cost improvements. 
  • Note: This rebate requires pre-approval by Xcel Energy prior to business starting the project or study.
• Saver’s Switch saves on cooling operational costs. By enrolling, Xcel Energy gets permission to cycle air conditioning on and off in 15-20 minute intervals during times of high electricity demand. Most participants notice no difference in the cooling of their building, but see savings on their utility bill.
• EnergySmart offers businesses free energy assessments, assistance in prioritizing energy projects, and shares rebate and financing information to improve project paybacks.
• EnerChange offers non-profits and churches free energy assessments and energy-saving recommendations with payback calculations.

Financial Programs and Rebates

• Xcel Energy offers rebates to assist with the upfront costs for a variety of projects that will increase energy efficiencies, such as equipment upgrades, tune-ups, and lighting retrofits.
• Center for Energy and Environment provides loans to businesses looking to make cost-effective energy efficiency improvements.
  • For more information, call Jim Hasnik at 612-335-5885 or email jhasnik@mncee.org.
• MinnPACE(Minnesota Property Assessed Clean Energy) provides commercial building owners with funding for renewable energy projects and efficiency upgrades. Payments are lumped in with property taxes through the Saint Paul Port Authority.
  • For more information, call Peter Klein at 651-204-6211 or email pmk@sppa.com.
• TrillionBTU from the Saint Paul Port Authority offers 100% financing, low-interest rates, and positive cash flow for energy efficiency projects.
  • For more information, call Peter Klein at 651-204-6211 or email pmk@sppa.com.
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce provides up to $3,000 for business owners to make efficiency projects possible through their Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program. 
  • For more information, call 651-292-3902 or email crustad@mnchamber.com.
• Minnesota Department of Commerce provides loans to public entities to conduct energy audits and renewable energy feasibility studies through The Public Entity Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Feasibility Study Loan Program.
  • For more information, call Peter Berger at 651-539-1853 or email energysavings.programs@state.mn.us.
• Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Program provides government entities technical, contractual, and financial energy efficiency assistance if combined project totals are greater than $300,000. 
  • For more information, call Peter Berger at 651-539-1850 or email peter.berger@state.mn.us.​