In 2011 the Town Board of Thomson Township was looking for a way to increase energy efficiency in the township’s public buildings as a way to reduce costs for their citizens.
Every public building got an energy audit to determine the best ways that energy could be saved through upgrades such as new light fixtures, occupancy controls, and heating and cooling adjustments. Minnesota Power and Minnesota Energy Resource conducted the analyses done to the buildings and the Esko Fire Hall was selected to receive the first upgrades.
Armed with the knowledge gained from the audit, the Township applied for a 2012 CERTs seed grant to help implement the improvements suggested in the final analysis of the Fire Hall. This included upgrading to more efficient lighting and the installation of light controls and timers to ensure that the lights are only on when needed. After receiving the CERTs grant to help cover labor costs, a contractor was selected and the work began. “The challenge we found was finding funding for the actual lighting fixtures and materials for the project,” explained Rhonda Peleski, the Town of Thomson’s Clerk. The Township looked at loan opportunities with Carlton County, but in the end it decided to reallocate internal funds.
Improvements to the Esko Fire Hall required more than funding to make them happen. Community leadership and cooperation were vital to make the project a success. “Several people worked together to implement the improvements,” said Rhonda, “The Town Board participated in prioritizing the projects, along with input from the Fire Chief.” Discussions about energy efficiency were also held at meetings of the Fire Department and the Carlton County Board.
After the project was completed, the energy efficiency improvements were shared with the Township citizens and other local volunteer fire departments in the hopes of raising awareness about energy conservation and catalyzing other efforts.
Project Snapshot:
- Energy unit saved: 11,050 kWh
- Estimated annual savings: $1,025
- Total Project Cost: $3,258.13
- CERTs Grant: $909.13
Other Local Government Energy Action Lighting Stories:
- Local Government Lighting Retrofits: Inspiring Over 25,000 Efficient Bulb Upgrades in MN
- Slick Retrofits Light Up the Riverside Ice Arena in Austin, MN
- Building consolidation and upgrades save energy and money in the City of Spicer
- Cottage Grove sheds some light on its recent sustainability initiatives
- Oak Park Heights sees the light: Leading the way with LEDs and solar PV
- Under control: lighting and controls upgrades at New London-Spicer High School
- Golden Valley lighting retrofits save thousands of dollars a year
- What’s happenin’ in Hennepin? Hennepin County’s HVAC and lighting efficiency projects
About the Local Government Energy Action Series:
This year-long effort tells the stories of nearly 50 Minnesota municipalities, counties, and schools and the tangible results of their energy-saving efforts to inspire others to take their own actions.
Local Government Energy Action is brought to you by the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resource
