On June 12th in Staples the Region 5 Development Commission (R5DC) and Central Clean Energy Resource Team (Central CERT) hosted a workshop about the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP), B3 Energy Benchmarking System (B3), and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program.
Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP)
Peter Berger, GESP Program Manager, gave an overview of the program and answered questions after the session. GESP is a strategy to reduce overall operations & maintenance budgets, reduce energy use, and attain new energy efficiency equipment for public facilities. It is also a way to finance and install renewable energy technology.
Most of the questions were around local job creation and how to get started with the program. GESP creates jobs because of the trade work that is required to install new equipment. The subcontractors need to be prequalified as annual savings are guaranteed and it is important that the city, county, school, or other public institution and energy service company have work completed that can meet those annual savings. Prequalification allows both parties to ensure good work. The prequalification occurs at the time the request for tradework goes out for bid, and the notification for tradework goes out by similar means as would be solicited for any construction project.
It is easy to get started with GESP. Check out how here.
Get the GESP presentation here.
Want to read more about GESP? Get more information:
Ready to talk about GESP? Contact:
Lindsay Wimmer
GESP Outreach Coordinator
Clean Energy Resource Teams, CERTs
wimm0020@umn.edu
612-625-9634
B3 Energy Benchmarking System (B3)
B3 Benchmarking is a building energy management system provided by the Department of Administration at no cost for public buildings in Minnesota including state, local government, and public school buildings.
Need help with B3? Get more information:
Ready to get started with B3 or need additional help understanding YOUR reports? Contact:
Katie Schmitt
B3 Energy Benchmarking Support Specialist
The Weidt Group
katies@twgi.com
952-938-1588
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program
Michael Krause was invited by Region 5 Development Commission to give an overview of PACE. PACE allows property owners to borrow money from newly established municipal financing districts to finance energy retrofits (efficiency and renewable energy measures) and repay the loan through an annual special tax on their property bill. Michael also presented information about other ways to finance renewable energy including: tax-equity financing, community solar, REAP grants and loans, and solar capacity credits.
Get Michael’s presentation here.
Want to read more about PACE? Get more information:
Ready to talk about PACE? Contact:
Peter Klein
Vice President of Finance
St. Paul Port Authority
pmk@sppa.com
651-204-6211
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.
