EQC Meeting Date: January 15th, 2025
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator / Staff Liaison
Title
Staff Update.
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting.
• Solar Rooftop Project: Northfield Community Resource Center
Staff has received an update on the NCRC interconnection application. It appears Xcel has moved the process along into a facilities study. This is possibly due to the need of a transformer upgrade. Once Xcel finishes the study, we will have more information on any upgrades that are required and what that may cost. This review can take up to 45 business days. The current deadline for this review is 2/7/2025 they will have more information no
later than that date.
• Geothermal Planning Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has launched the Geothermal Planning Grant program and is now accepting applications. This $1.08 million grant, established by the State Legislature, aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of installing geothermal energy systems and provides a streamlined process for local governments to apply.
The application deadline is Monday, March 10, 2025. City staff plan to pursue this grant on behalf of the City.
• Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate
Starting in 2025, the Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate program will no longer require applicants to meet an income threshold. Applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the $12,500 allocated by the Carbon Reduction Fund for this year has been exhausted, the program will pause until the next budget cycle begins in the new year.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA