Summary of program
Energy Smart is a Saint Paul based non- profit program of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation. All services are provided at no cost for Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy commercial accounts and those that are members of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. This program is a product of The Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 [MN Statute §216B.241, subd. 1c(g)]. This legislation has set goals to reduce state wide greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050 based on the benchmark of estimated emissions in 2005. The Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) administrates utility funded conservation improvement programs to ensure rate payer dollars are effectively implemented to achieve 1.5% energy savings annually. Investor owned utilities submit three year filings known as triennials with DER to review and approve metrics to achieve energy conservation improvement goals. 
 
In 2019 Energy Smart completed 382 site assessments and provided rebate assistance on 153 high efficiency upgrades resulting in $277,758 in first year cost savings. With recent approval by DER for the 2021-23 filing, we are looking forward to building new relationships and delivering results for Minnesota businesses.  
 
Energy Smart connects with you in-person or virtually to identify your goals and prioritize energy cost saving opportunities. Among these measures, we provide utility bill analysis to better understand how your building uses energy and review rate structures. A site assessment is completed to review the utility bill analysis with you and complete a walk-through of the space to collect data plate information, understand space use and operational behaviors. 
 
Following the site assessment, our staff serves as a liaison among stakeholders, contractors and utility representatives to assemble a report with recommendations and next steps on specific utility rebate programs and incentives to evaluate when implementing upgrades to your process. We provide assistance in reviewing equipment specifications to verify rebate eligibility and estimate return on investment for capital investment projects. Upon installation of equipment, we assist in streamlining the rebate process to apply on your behalf, making sure program requirements and deadlines are met. 
 
Energy Smart assists Minnesota manufacturers implement common opportunities to enhance equipment performance and optimize efficiency. Strategies may include; 

• Compressed air studies and component upgrades
• Process boiler tune up and steam traps surveys/repairs
• Variable speed drives
• Demand side management
• Power factor correction.