Bemidji State University was a hotbed of clean energy activity on August 31st as folks gathered for two consecutive events.
First up was the Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) meeting, where over 40 attendees gathered to learn about clean energy projects in Bemidji.
- First they heard about the City of Bemidji’s $2.4 million Guaranteed Energy Savings Program project, with Jesse Robertson and Nate Mathews from the city giving an overview of the project as it has unfolded. Regarding the new LED street lighting, City Manager Mathews noted, “Downtown businesses love it because it is way better lit.” Robertson added, “For any city, I would recommend something like GESP.”
- Next came Sam Mason, Manager of Energy Services and Facilities at Beltrami Electric Cooperative who talked about Beltrami Electric’s Community Solar Garden, followed by Jason Edens, Executive Director at Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, to talk about and Low-Income Partnership Proposal. This innovative project would create a community solar garden for Beltrami customers interested in participating and also pilot ways for low-income customers to participate as well. “Originally, we thought we were going to put in 40 kW but now we have decided to put in 80kW,” Sam Mason said. “We haven’t put the shovel in yet because we don’t have a sufficient subscription rate yet.”
- After lunch, Erika Bailey-Johnson, BSU Sustainability Director and Anna Carlson, BSU Assistant Sustainability Director and NW CERT Coordinator, gave an overview presentation and then tour of some of the many energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at Bemidji State University. Highlighted projects included a solar thermal system used to pre-heat make up air into a campus building, LEED certified efficient buildings on campus, solar powered Led lighting and call boxes at a campus bus stop, rain gardens, and a new bike-share program.
After the meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm, many of the participants stayed and new members gathered for the Northwest Clean Energy Resource Team (NW CERT) and Bemidji State University (BSU) meeting highlighting Electric Vehicles (EVs), charging stations, and EV infrastructure in northwestern Minnesota.
Participants were treated to a panel discussion that included Leon Kremeier from Otter Tail Power Company, Erika Bailey-Johnson from BSU, Nate Mathews from the City of Bemidji and electric vehicle owner Mark Rodgers (and Erika, too). When asked about the EV chargers at City Hall and a local park, Nate Mathews said, “We were surprised that right away they were being used.” EV owner Mark Rodgers said of his Nissan Leaf, “This car is a gas to drive—pun intended! So fun to drive.”
Following the panel discussion, participants walked out to the BSU parking lot to check out the campus electric vehicle charging station.
See photos from the event in the slideshow below.
Watch a recent LPTV news story about the new EV charging stations in Bemidji.
Get more on EVs
 |
Learn more about EVs, see upcoming events, and find more stories >> |
