Energy Smart helps St. Cloud business find savings opportunity

ST. CLOUD – Energy Smart is helping St. Cloud businesses to find cost-saving opportunities. One business, Thelen Advertising, will save almost one-fifth of its electric costs after upgrading its lighting as recommended by Energy Smart this winter.

As part of its outreach efforts in the St. Cloud area, Energy Smart contacted Thelen Advertising, an advertising firm in downtown St. Cloud. Energy Smart facilitated a no-cost lighting audit through Xcel Energy and the Center for Energy and Environment that led to the upgrade. Mark Thelen, principal, agreed to undergo a lighting audit on January 13.

“I compared my energy use this year versus last year for the first two months after the installation of the Energy Smart recommended lighting,” Thelen said. “Not only is my lighting better (i.e., brighter, peppier) but our energy costs were down 18.8 percent. And when you consider that lighting is only part of our electric usage, these are very favorable results indeed.”
 

Financial incentives available to help your business

We at Energy Smart are hearing your concerns about finding capital for energy efficiency upgrades.

To help you get started saving money on electricity costs during these tough times, Energy Smart has compiled a Web site with information about available financial incentives. From utility rebates to low-interest loans, a variety of resources can help you stay competitive by moving forward with your energy efficiency project.

For more information, contact Energy Smart at (651) 292-4653 or visit the Energy Smart financial incentives page.

Energy Smart awards MGM Liquor Warehouse, Geotek for energy savings

Jill Curran, Energy Smart Program Manager, announces Energy Smart Leader Award winners.

ST. PAUL — Energy Smart awarded two businesses for exemplary efforts in energy efficiency. The 2009 Energy Smart Leader Awards were announced during the April 23 Minnesota Chamber Business Sustainability Workshop.

MGM Liquor Warehouse in St. Peter, Minn., will save 44,546 kilowatt hours per year, reducing its electric bill by $3,834 per year. With utility rebates, the upgrades will pay for themselves within one year.

Geotek in Stewartville, Minn., upgraded its air compressor last year to save 27,204 kilowatt hours and $2,754 annually. With all energy efficiency improvements implemented in the last decade, Geotek is estimated to save 282,959 kWh and $25,052 per year.

Contact Energy Smart at any time to learn more about rebates available for energy saving technology.