Each community within the four-county Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (MMDC) region has a unique energy picture. They have different needs and receive different energy services from different energy providers. This guide is intended to be used as a quick reference by those interested in learning about energy savings opportunities and related resources in their community or area.
Many of the providers listed in this guide offer energy rebates and other savings opportunities to their customers. These offerings change from time to time and there may be specific requirements. All energy users, including business users, are encouraged to contact their energy providers directly for the best, most current information.
Regional Electric Providers
Click the provider link below for more information about their services
Regional Natural Gas Providers
Click the provider link below for more information about their services
For more energy-saving tips, check out the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver website,
www.energy.gov
Financial Resources & Opportunities
Click the provider link below for more information about their services
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) - CERTs provides updates on their seed grants (next round 2025) and other federal & state funding resources.
MinnPACE/St. Paul Port Authority - The MinnPACE Program provides financing to businesses who own their property and want to invest in energy efficiency upgrades. The program uses a Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing strategy to make improvements easier to access.
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) - CEE provides a variety of services and information to help businesses reduce their operating costs and improve building performance. Their energy-savings opportunities include rebates for lighting and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency improvements.
Rural Minnesota Energy Board - Similar to MinnPACE, the RMEB provides financing to businesses for energy-related projects. Eligibility is limited by county.
Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) - REED offers partner financing to business and community projects that promote growth and economic development. Eligibility is limited by county.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - REAP provides grants to agriculture producers and small, rural business owners for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program - USDA funding is provided for rural projects using a revolving loan fund through local utility organizations. Contact your utility to see if they participate.
University of Minnesota Extension - Through the Regional Sustainable Development Partnership(RSDP), the University of Minnesota Extension supports Greater Minnesota projects related to agriculture, food system, clean energy, natural resources, and building resilient communities.
Community Resources
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) - CERTs connects individuals and communities to there sources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC): The MPUC regulates utilities, including electric, gas, and telephone services.
Minnesota Department of Commerce - The Minnesota Department of Commerce protects and assists the interests of consumers and businesses. efficiency improvements.
Energy Assessment Resources
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) - CEE provides affordable whole-building energy assessment services to Xcel Energy’s commercial customers.
Minnesota Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) - Minnesota RETAP offers free on-site energy assessments.
Minnesota Technical Assistance Program(MnTAP) - A program of the University of Minnesota, MnTAP provides outreach to Minnesota businesses that maximize resource efficiency and reduce energy use and costs.
Energy Smart - MN Chamber of Commerce - A program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Energy Smart provides free consultations to Minnesota businesses served by Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy.
Your Local Utility and Natural Gas Providers - Connect with your local utilities to learn more about their energy audit resources.
Renewable Energy Resources
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
CERTs provides a wealth of information about renewable energy resources, planning tools, installers and more at their website.
These organizations provide a wealth of information for those who wish to explore the incorporation of electric vehicles to their business or personal fleet.
Carol Lundgren
(320) 235-8504
[email protected]
Energy To Grow Project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Business Development Grant
