Conservation Improvement Programs Making a Difference

A new report released from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources estimates 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions are being avoided annually thanks to Minnesota’s Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP).

“Energy conservation programs help Minnesotans save energy, reduce pollution and the need for costly new power plants and infrastructure, and create jobs for companies that analyze, manufacture and install energy efficiency improvements,” said Mike Rothman, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce

Conservation Improvement Programs offer incentives for a wide variety of energy-related improvements in homes, farms, commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities.

“When the average person thinks about reducing carbon, they usually think about renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines and solar electric power,” said Bill Grant, deputy commissioner of the Division of Energy Resources.  “While often less noticeable, energy efficiency is an important component of an overall carbon-reduction strategy.”

A copy of the Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program Energy and Carbon Dioxide Savings Report can be found at www.energy.mn.gov(Utilities>CIP>Reports>CIP Energy and CO2 Savings Report 2011).