City Council Meeting Date: May 19, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Risi Karim, Assistant City Administrator
Title
Consider Approving Application for the MN Department of Commerce Microgrid at Community Lifeline Facilities Grant Program
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the application submittal for the MN Department of Commerce Microgrid at Community Lifeline Facilities Grant Program
Summary Report:
Staff submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce in October 2025 requesting $78,000 in funding. This report is being provided for Council information and post-approval acknowledgement in accordance with the City's grants policy. It also provides additional background regarding the grant application and award outcome. Staff will continue to keep the Council informed of future opportunities related to this initiative.
On December 16, 2025, the City was notified that the application had been selected for funding.
Earlier this year, the City installed a 40 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array at the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) through the state-funded Solar on Public Facilities program. The system provides a local source of carbon-free electricity, helping offset the building's energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of this grant award, the City intends to add a battery energy storage system to enhance the building's energy resilience. The existing solar array would serve as the renewable energy generation source within a microgrid system, while the proposed battery storage system would capture and store excess solar energy for use during grid outages or periods of peak demand.
Together, these improvements would allow the NCRC to maintain critical operations and function as a community lifeline facility during emergencies or extended power interruptions.
Alternative Options:
None recommended.
Financial Impacts:
Grant Funds: $78...
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