Energy Resources & Tools
The following resources may help you when starting to think about energy efficiency. Resources that are topic-specific are included on those pages. These resources are meant to be more generalized and able to provide you with options and answers to many of your questions.
Assistance and Assessments
- Industrial Assessment Center (IAC). IACs provide free energy use, productivity enhancement and waste reduction assessments to qualifying manufacturers. The IAC program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources, Advanced Manufacturing Office. They partner with industry, small business, universities, regional entities, and other stakeholders to identify and invest in emerging clean energy technologies.
- Save Energy Now Assessments. Through energy assessments, DOE’s Save Energy Now helps plants quantify immediate opportunities for energy and cost savings
Energy Loans and Rebates
Many energy utilities offer energy loans and rebates to meet their Conservation Improvement Program goals.
- CenterPoint Energy, 800-234-5800
- Dakota Electric Association, 651-463-6243 or 800-874-3409 ext. 243
- Great River Energy, 763-445-5000
- Minnesota Energy Resources Corp, 800-889-9508
- Minnesota Power Co., 218-722.-641
- Minnesota Rural Electric Association, 763-424-1020
- Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, 800-237-8992
- Otter Tail Power Co., 218-739-8200
- Xcel Energy
Associations / Organizations
- Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). This association is a source for information on energy efficiency, utility deregulation, facility management, plant engineering and environmental compliance. The group offers online training courses as well.
- Association of Energy Engineers Twin Cities Chapter meets monthly focusing on topics and projects related to energy and sustainability.
- Clean Air Minnesota. This voluntary partnership of businesses, environmental groups, government agencies and citizens works together to keep Minnesota’s air healthy.
- Iowa Energy Center. The Center provides practical information on cost effective, energy-efficient technologies for commercial and industrial buildings.
- Fresh Energy. This non-profit is leading the transition to a clean, efficient, and fair energy system.