EQC Meeting Date: July 17, 2024
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator
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.
• Staff applied for The MN Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Grant. The Northfield Community Resource Center was selected as the site used for the grant application. The purpose of this program is to provide grants to stimulate the installation of solar energy systems on public buildings. The Department of Commerce will administer $4.3M in grants to local governments in Xcel Energy electric service territory through at least two funding rounds.
The City’s application into the Solar on Public Buildings Grant has successfully been selected to submit a full application, staff will begin to prepare a full application. Please note that the City is still working with Xcel to determine if connectivity issues will become a barrier for the city’s application.
• Staff has begun working with Partners in Energy (PiE) to launch a Business Energy Efficiency rebate program for the City. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) supported the creation and implementation of this Climate Champions energy efficiency rebate program for businesses by passing a Resolution in November 2021.The Carbon Reduction Fund now has enough funds to finically support the program by reimbursing the EDA for dispersal of funds for the program. Staff hopes to launch the program sometime this Fall. More updates soon to come
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA