Fact Sheets

Energy Smart fact sheets provide information about energy efficiency and cost savings. Learn more about the CIP process, the impact of energy use on your business, and ways to minimize energy costs.

Minnesota Energy Conservation Improvement Programs

Utility Minnesota Energy Conservation Improvement Programs (CIPs) are mandated by state law. All electric and natural gas utilities in Minnesota develop their own conservation improvement plan. Utility CIPs have been in existence for several decades and offer a variety of energy saving opportunities for business and residential customers. Some CIPs offer financial services such as grants and low-interest loans. The goals of CIPs include:

  • Promoting consumer and industry awareness of energy conservation and its positive effect on the environment.
  • Reducing utility bills for homes and businesses.
  • Generating innovations in developing energy efficient products and technologies.
  • Promoting new energy resource development.

Some examples of possible CIP projects:

  • Cooling: Rebates for chiller replacement, cool storage systems, refrigeration efficiency improvements and rooftop air conditioners.
  • Lighting: Rebates for lamp ballast replacement, street lighting or new lighting systems.
  • Industrial process / motors: Rebates for farm equipment, high-efficiency motors or customer-designed projects.
  • Financial services: Grants or low-interest loans for energy efficiency improvements.

To learn more about your utilities Conservation Improvement Program, click the Start Now button.

Why CIPs are Important

Minnesota's Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 revised the CIP statute to set an annual energy savings goal for all electric and gas utilities beginning in 2010. The energy savings goal is equal to 1.5% of the utility's annual retail energy sales in Minnesota, averaged over the most recent three-year period and weather-normalized. If Minnesota utilities are to meet this goal, we all must be a part of the solution.

The Impact of Energy Efficiency

This Energy Star Fact Sheet for commercial and industrial facilities shows the impact of energy efficiency on cost savings and carbon emissions ($20 billion would be saved if the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings improved by 10 percent).