Minnesota Energy

ANN CARLON

Minnesota Energy Resources

abcarlon@minnesotaenergyresources.com

minnesotaenergyresources.com

Topic: Open Column

Natural gas is one of the most versatile, dependable sources of energy available to today's businesses. Compared to other fuels, it offers many advantages such as convenience and efficiency. Natural gas also remains one of the best values in today's volatile energy market since natural gas heating systems and appliances have the highest "total energy efficiency." That translates into the best energy value. For example, gas water heaters can produce twice as much hot water compared to electric water heaters at 30% less cost. Along with those savings, there are also numerous natural gas energy rebates and programs from Minnesota Energy Resources that can save your business even more money.

Rebate Programs

Installing energy-efficient technology is always a smart way to lower your company's energy bills. Energy-efficient water heaters, furnaces, and other heating systems may be eligible for rebates, saving your company hundreds of dollars.

Minnesota Energy Resources' Custom Rebate Program can potentially save your business thousands, and you may also reduce monthly energy costs and shorten the payback period of your new equipment. These rebates are based on a portion of the cost difference between a standard product and high-efficiency products and practices.

Efficiency Program

 Larger sized commercial and industrial companies can face unique barriers including uncertain fuel pricing, freezes on capital spending, or more stringent corporate requirements. These types of businesses may benefit from the Minnesota Energy Resources' Turnkey Efficiency Program. This program was created to reduce monthly energy costs and shorten the payback period of new high-efficiency equipment. A variety of services are available through this program, including a mid-level engineering assessment by industry experts to identify quality energy efficiency opportunities, suggested strategies for implementation, and access to applicable financial tools including local, state, and federal resources.

Energy Audits

Minnesota Energy Resources offers professional energy audits for businesses of every size. These audits reveal ways to save energy and reduce operating costs. A basic audit includes an on-site inspection of your facility to identify specific areas to reduce energy consumption. On average, businesses are able to lower energy costs by at least 10%. There is also a more in-depth study available that includes capital cost items such as boiler or burner replacements, energy management upgrades, etc. Your business can take advantage of our reimbursement programs to receive either one of these energy audits at half the price or, depending on your qualifications, at no charge at all. You should always consider an energy audit when you think you might be spending more on energy than you should be.

For a complete list of our energy saving rebates and programs for businesses, visit our Web site www.minnesotaenergyresources.com.