Riedell Shoes gets $40,000 low-interest loan to replace old boiler with energy-efficient one

RED WING — The natural-gas boiler at Riedell Shoes, which owns a 60,000-square-foot complex in Red Wing, was 50 years old and nearing the end of its life. Though far less energy efficient than modern boilers, the cost of replacing it would run nearly $40,000.

“We’d been milking it for several years and keeping our fingers crossed that it would keep running when it was 30 below zero outside,” says Dan Johnson, Riedell Shoes’ director of manufacturing.

In mid-2010, the skate manufacturer decided to investigate financial incentives for replacing the system. Johnson contacted Energy Smart for help.

Energy Smart worked closely with Riedell Shoes for several months to pursue financial incentive opportunities for the boiler-replacement project. Energy Smart connected Johnson to Trillion Btu Energy Efficiency Improvement, a revolving loan program run through the St. Paul Port Authority that helps Xcel Energy business and industrial customers finance energy-saving upgrades and repay loans using their energy savings.

Energy Smart also informed Riedell Shoes about commercial natural-gas rebates available for new boilers through Xcel Energy and connected it with its utility account representative to get the rebate process started. Energy Smart followed up with the company regularly throughout late 2010 to ensure the financial incentive process was moving along smoothly.

Riedell Shoes eventually received a low-interest loan from the Trillion Btu program to cover the $40,000 cost of the boiler upgrade. Xcel Energy also provided the company a $960 rebate.

With all the financial assistance in place, Riedell installed a new, efficient boiler system in October. The new boiler has an 85-percent efficiency rating and is expected to reduce heating costs by 20 percent, Johnson says. It should pay for itself in roughly 10 years.

Learn latest energy-saving strategies, network at CERTs 2011 Conference

Want to learn cutting-edge best practices for saving energy at your business, financial incentives available to you or how to benchmark your energy usage?
On February 2, Energy Smart will be hosting a session called “Energy-Saving Steps for Your Business or Organization” at the 2011 Clean Energy Resource Teams’ conference in St. Cloud.

It will feature a range of strategies for lowering business energy use, methods of energy benchmarking, and cost-benefit analysis information. A panel of Minnesota business leaders, including Minnesota Chamber of Commerce board member Jason Bernick, will discuss energy-saving initiatives, challenges and rewards. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback on their own energy-saving endeavors. Visit the conference web site for more information and to register.

Blethen, Gage & Krause saves more than $2,000 with Xcel Energy rebates

MANKATO – Law firm Blethen, Gage & Krause made several energy upgrades in recent months, including installing LED exit signs and new rooftop air-conditioning units. The upgrades resulted in rebates from Xcel Energy that helped shave the costs. For instance, the firm received about $2,000 in rebates for upgrading seven air-conditioning units to ones with SEER efficiency ratings of 13.5 or higher.

Have questions about commercial electric or natural gas rebates available to your business or organization? Contact Energy Smart at (651) 292-4652 or email info@mnenergysmart.com.

For more news about Energy Smart and the success of Minnesota businesses, visit our news coverage page.