Sen. Franken Visits Eagan To Discuss Building Retrofitting and Energy Efficiency

Did you caulk your windows this year, or perhaps get new windows to save money on your energy costs?  Have you had new doors installed to avoid heat loss?  Do you have a high efficiency furnace/air conditioner or energy smart appliances?

We as homeowners are very conscious of our energy bills and take steps to mitigate arising utility costs.

Senator Al Franken visited Eagan this week to discuss “energy retrofitting," a process that provides for a commercial approach to energy efficiency.

Retrofitting is about making our buildings more energy efficient. It involves new technologies such as geothermal heating/cooling, new lighting fixtures, closing the “building envelope,” (caulking supersized!) as well as  low flow water fixtures.  From a business perspective, they can have a positive effect on fixed costs and provide for less negative impact on our environment, save utility costs and improve real-estate values.  Senator Franken also pitches the perspective that multiple projects can create jobs for the construction industry.

These retrofits can be very expensive for property owners however, and cities are looking at funding mechanisms called PACE (Property Assessed Energy Bonds) Bonds. These are small municipal bonds where the proceeds are lent to property owners to finance energy retrofits (efficiency measures and small renewable energy systems). The loans is attached to the property and transfers with a sale, and is repaid via an annual assessment on the property tax bill. 

This legislation has been approved in Minnesota, and requires municipal approval as well. The Eagan Energy and Environment Commission has written a great white paper on the subject, highlighting the pro and cons available at http://pacenow.org.

In the meantime, businesses can take advantage of other types of rebates and programs provided by utility companies and governmental agencies.

Visit these sites to check it out:

https://www.dakotaelectric.com
http://www.xcelenergy.com

Hope this helps you understand builiding retrofitting and energy efficiency!  Let us know your thoughts on this topic!

Ruthe Batulis
President