The benefits of Milan’s SEU program are beginning to get noticed, and their energy efficiency initiative continues to grow! With the help of West Central CERT grants, Milan has implemented energy efficiency plans that not only reduce energy consumption, but also reduce residents’ energy bills.
In 2009 Milan, MN began a pilot program, Sustainable Energy Utility to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency education in the community. A success from the beginning stages of workshops and energy monitoring, the SEU in Milan was the first to be established in a small, rural town.
Today Milan’s energy initiatives, in conjunction with its reputation as a model energy-efficient town, continue to expand. In 2010, the Greater Milan Initiative (GMI) funded the SEU to participate in Minnesota GreenStep Cities, a voluntary program run by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
GreenStep Cities has helped many cities in Minnesota achieve their sustainability goals by addressing issues of building efficiency, land use planning, transportation, environmental management, and economic and community development. GreenStep Cities practices proved successful for the community of Milan and in 2011 Milan was recognized as a Minnesota Environmental Initiative Winner.
Even after such success, Milan remains committed to advancing its energy-efficient technology. Ann Thompson, a Milan SEU Board Member, explains: “The citizens of Milan are now working to reverse the trend of economic decline. They are doing this by developing a community-based energy revitalization plan centered in the school building.” Thompson has high hopes for the building, which recently received a grant from the West Central CERT: “A more useful building in the community will encourage residents to hold receptions and other functions locally rather than elsewhere.” It’s not hard to imagine that the completed community center will be the home-base of many more energy initiatives to come!
About the Local Government Energy Action Series:
This effort tells the stories of Minnesota municipalities, counties, and schools and the tangible results of their energy-saving efforts to inspire others to take their own actions.
