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City Council Regular Meeting: July 17, 2018
E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
AGENDA ITEM: Partners in Energy Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) and Energy Action
Plan
AGENDA SECTION:
New Business
PREPARED BY: Logan Martin, City Administrator
Brian Erickson, PE, Director of Public
Works / City Engineer
AGENDA NO.: 9.a.
ATTACHMENTS: Memorandum of Understanding; Energy
Action Plan; Presentation APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Adopt the Energy Action Plan and a
Memorandum of Understanding with Partners in Energy.
BACKGROUND
Since mid-2017, the Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force (ESTF) along with
elected officials, staff, residents, business / education representatives, and energy utility
representatives have been working to prepare an Energy Action Plan (EAP) as a part of the City’s
involvement with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy (PIE) program. This plan, now in final draft
form, is presented to Council for review and approval. In addition, a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) has been prepared to lay out the details for assistance from PiE to help the
City of Rosemount implement the proposed EAP.
In mid-2017 the ESTF and PiE began preparation of an Energy Action Plan. Then starting in
October 2017, a number of representatives met to start the in-depth planning effort. The attached
EAP is the result of that work. The plan addresses four focus areas for energy efficiencies:
• Residential Energy Savings
• Municipal Energy
• Large Energy Users
• Small and Medium-Size Businesses
It also reviews short term priority actions to kick off the early items needed to make the EAP
successful. If the goals outlined in the Plan are achieved, residents and businesses will see a total of
over $1 million in energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint impact similar to removing 4,100
passenger vehicles from the road for a year.
A Partners in Energy representative will provide an overview of the actions to date as well as the
actions needed to implement the plan (presentation attached).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council move to adopt the Energy Action Plan and approve the
Memorandum of Understanding with Partners in Energy.
Memorandum of Understanding
Phase 2 – Plan Implementation
Mr. Logan Martin
City Administrator
City of Rosemount
2875 145th St W
Rosemount, MN 55068
The intent of this Memorandum of Understanding is to recognize the achievement of the City of
Rosemount in completing the process of developing an Energy Action Plan. Xcel Energy,
through its Partners in Energy offering, has supported the development of this energy action
plan. This document will outline how the City of Rosemount and Xcel Energy will continue to
work together to support the community as they implement their Energy Action Plan.
The term of this joint support, as defined in this document, will extend from June 13, 2018, until
December 31, 2019. This is a voluntary agreement and not intended to be legally binding for
either party.
Xcel Energy will support the City of Rosemount in achieving the goals of its Energy Action Plan,
by area of focus, in the following ways:
Residential Energy Savings Focus Area:
• Create a centralized, quick-reference guide for residents interested in saving
energy.
• Design and implement an outreach campaign to educate residents about energy
efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
o Design additional resident survey questions to be distributed through City owned
channels; interpret results to inform campaign design.
o Facilitate design and planning of marketing campaign and materials for
residential outreach.
o Create presentations and talking points to support outreach efforts to local
groups.
o Assist with design of residential recognition program.
• Promote energy efficiency in residential new construction and renovations.
o Provide technical expertise in designing CEU-eligible training aimed at realtors.
o Create information materials targeting home renovations and key moments of
opportunity.
• Conduct targeted outreach that brings energy savings to low- and fixed-income
households.
o Create simplified information materials and talking-points for low-income
programs.
o Provide training for outreach volunteers.
o Coordinate translation of materials into at least one other language.
2
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
Memorandum of Understanding
Implementation Phase
• Provide up to $2,750 for printing costs and postage, award prizes/signs, and translation
services.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this focus area is not to exceed 95 hours. These hours will
include those provided through our Partners in Energy team from Brendle Group and Center for
Energy and Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
Municipal Energy Focus Area
• Enhance perception of Rosemount as a sustainable city by promoting prior and
current efforts to reduce energy use in city buildings and invest in renewable
energy.
o Draft news stories, case studies and talking points about actions taken by city
and benefits of energy efficiency.
• Pursue on-site installation of renewable energy generation on City buildings.
o Assist with researching on-site solar case studies and available financing
options.
• Pursue energy efficiency opportunities in City buildings.
o Research available return on investment tools and create resource list for City.
o Coordinate utility partnership for rebates and programs for energy efficient
improvements.
• Reduce energy use through efficient building operations.
o Provide technical assistance with operations manual update and benchmarking
software updates.
o Provide support for design and implementation of employee engagement
campaign.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this focus area is not to exceed 50 hours. These hours will
include those provided through our Partners in Energy team from Brendle Group and Center for
Energy and Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
Large Commercial/Industrial Focus Area
• Identify and promote the top energy actions large energy users can take.
o Create targeted information materials, business outreach kit, and talking points
for business engagement.
• Offer support to facility managers in making decisions to invest in energy
efficiency.
o Write success stories and case studies to promote business success stories.
o Create tool/resource library for businesses to assist with reviewing return on
investment
o Assist interested businesses in connecting with MnTAP for assistance.
• Leverage economic development efforts to attract new businesses by promoting
energy efficiency.
3
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
Memorandum of Understanding
Implementation Phase
o Create informational materials for new businesses relocating to Rosemount.
o Conduct training of economic development staff on energy efficiency
opportunities.
• Promote energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.
o Write talking points and create presentations for use in multifamily building
engagement.
o Assist in delivering workshop targeting multifamily building tenants.
• Provide up to $350 for meeting/workshop refreshments.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this focus area is not to exceed 95 hours. These hours will
include those provided through our Partners in Energy team from Brendle Group and Center for
Energy and Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
Small/Medium Businesses Focus Area
• Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to Rosemount small-
and medium-size businesses through a targeted outreach campaign.
o Create information resources, mailers, and presentations to support
small/medium business outreach.
o Assist in designing green award program.
• Conduct door-to-door outreach to reach business owners and managers.
o Provide business outreach kit for business blitz.
o Train business outreach volunteers on best practices for business outreach.
o Provide up to $500 for co-branded wear to identify volunteers performing in-
person outreach.
• Host a business lunch to educate about energy efficiency benefits, programs, and
opportunities
o Develop and deliver presentation about efficiency opportunities.
o Assist with designing and coordinating event.
• Engage Trade Ally partners in promoting energy efficiency to Rosemount
businesses.
o Create targeted information materials aimed at Trade Allies.
o Host lunch and learn for local contractors serving Rosemount businesses.
• Support Home and Business expo to promote energy efficiency.
o Assist with design and coordination of energy efficiency information at expo.
o Engage utilities and Trade Allies for expo content and participation.
• Provide up to $2,500 for printing and mailing costs and breakfast/lunch for
meetings/workshops.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this focus area is not to exceed 100 hours. These hours will
include those provided through our Partners in Energy team from Brendle Group and Center for
Energy and Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
Project Management
4
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
Memorandum of Understanding
Implementation Phase
• Provide overall project management for the term of this agreement.
• Facilitate regular check-in calls.
• Support City in promoting activities related to plan implementation through local media
channels.
• Provide biannual implementation tracking, data analysis, and reporting.
• Support plan approval and implementation planning process.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this is not to exceed 135 hours. These hours will include
those provided through our Partners in Energy team from Brendle Group and Center for Energy
and Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
The City of Rosemount commits to supporting the Energy Action Plan to the best of their
ability by:
• Achieving the conservation and renewable energy impacts outlined in the Energy Action
Plan are and shown in the table below.
Electricity Impact –
Xcel Energy
(in kWh)
Natural Gas Impact –
Xcel Energy
(in therms)
Incremental Energy Savings 1,914,493 6,037
Continued Participation Based
on Historic Activity 748,891 37,392
Total Conservation Goal (June
2018 – December 2019) 2,663,390 43,429
• Performing the coordination, tracking, and outreach duties as outlined in the energy
action plan. These tasks by area of focus, include but are not limited to:
Residential Energy Savings Focus Area:
• Create a centralized, quick-reference guide for residents interested in saving
energy.
o Designate web page for hosting reference guide and promote link through all
available communication channels.
o Designate point person for keeping guide updated.
• Design and implement an outreach campaign to educate residents about energy
efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
o Distribute resident survey and share results with Partners in Energy.
o Disseminate marketing materials on city-owned communication channels.
o Assist with identifying partner organizations for outreach.
o Provide input on recognition program and award criteria.
5
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
Memorandum of Understanding
Implementation Phase
• Promote energy efficiency in residential new construction and renovations.
o Mayor to utilize realtor network to promote CEU-eligible training.
o Designate space at city permit office and building permits webpage to host
energy efficient home renovation and new construction materials.
o Facilitate training of City permit and inspections staff on energy efficiency.
• Conduct targeted outreach that brings energy savings to low- and fixed-income
households.
o Designate space on city website to host low-income targeted materials.
o Identifying potential partner organizations for outreach and share information
materials.
Municipal Energy Focus Area
• Enhance perception of Rosemount as a sustainable city by promoting prior and
current efforts to reduce energy use in city buildings and invest in renewable
energy.
o Publish news stories, case studies and talking points about actions taken by city
and benefits of energy efficiency on city newsletters, social media posts, press
releases, and website.
o Coordinate presentation to City Council on energy efficiency benefits.
• Pursue on-site installation of renewable energy generation on City buildings.
o Evaluate city-owned buildings for on-site renewable eligibility.
o Prioritize financing opportunities.
o Coordinate presentation of recommendations to City Council and facilitate next
steps based on Council direction.
• Pursue energy efficiency opportunities in City buildings.
o Identify buildings and fixtures that need to be replaced and create replacement
scheduled based on City resources.
o Identify and pursue energy efficiency opportunities in scheduled maintenance at
ice arena.
o Use return on investment tools to prioritize improvements.
• Reduce energy use through efficient building operations.
o Update city building operations manual and keep building benchmarking data up
to date.
o Design and deliver energy efficiency training for facilities staff.
o Implement employee engagement campaign for City staff.
Large Commercial/Industrial Focus Area
• Identify and promote the top energy actions large energy users can take.
o Host information materials on city website, and promote success stories and
information sessions through city communication channels, including website and
newsletter.
6
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
Memorandum of Understanding
Implementation Phase
o Identify and coordinate with City leadership and staff currently engaged with
business outreach activities.
• Offer support to facility managers in making decisions to invest in energy
efficiency.
o Promote success stories on city website, social media, and newsletter.
• Leverage economic development efforts to attract new businesses by promoting
energy efficiency.
o Distribute information materials to new businesses on website and in printed
materials.
o Maintain list of contacts for new businesses locating in Rosemount and share
with respective utilities.
o Coordinate training of economic development staff on energy efficiency talking
points.
• Promote energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.
o Distribute information materials to rental property owners through city
communication channels.
o Engage Community Development staff in reaching out to multifamily building
owners and tenants.
Small/Medium Businesses Focus Area
• Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to Rosemount small-
and medium-size businesses through a targeted outreach campaign.
o Host information materials on city website, and promote programs through city
communication channels, including website and newsletter.
o Provide input on campaign marketing materials, lunch and learn content and
award program.
o Identify budget for green award program.
• Engage Trade Ally partners in promoting energy efficiency to Rosemount
businesses.
o Include resource information on website and printed materials.
o Promote lunch and learn event(s) on city website and social media.
• Host a Home and Business expo that includes promotion of energy efficiency.
o Plan event and manage event logistics.
o Recruit businesses to host booths at event.
o Promote expo event on city website and social media.
Project Management
• Participate in the coordination and tracking of scheduled activities and events.
• Participate in regular check-in calls and in-person meetings to monitor plan
implementation progress.
7
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
Memorandum of Understanding
Implementation Phase
• Provide Xcel Energy an opportunity to review marketing materials to assure accuracy
when they incorporate the Xcel Energy logo or reference any of Xcel Energy’s products
or services.
• Share the collateral, plan document, supporting work documents and implementation
results from the Energy Action Plan with the public. The experience, successes and
lessons learned from this community will inform others looking at similar or expanded
initiatives.
All communications pertaining to this agreement shall be directed to Logan Martin, on behalf of
the City of Rosemount and Tami Gunderzik, on behalf of Xcel Energy.
Xcel Energy is excited about this opportunity to support the City of Rosemount in advancing
their goals. The resources outlined above and provided through Partners in Energy are provided
as a part of our commitment to the communities we serve and Xcel Energy’s support of energy
efficiency and renewable energy as important resources to meet your future energy needs.
For the City of Rosemount:
________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________
For Xcel Energy:
_______________________________________
Date:___________________________________
An Energy Action Plan for
Rosemount
May 23, 2018
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following organizations and individuals for participating in developing this
Energy Action Plan.
Rosemount’s Energy Action Team
City Staff
· Logan Martin, City Administrator
· Derick Anderson, Senior Engineer Technician
· Dan Schultz, Parks & Recreation Director
· Brian Erickson, Public Works Director
Environment and Sustainability Task Force Members and Elected Officials
· Bill Droste, Mayor
· Wade Miller, Task Force Member
· Mark Glende, Task Force Member
· Katie Koch-Laveen, Task Force Member
· Shaun Nelson, City Council Member
Rosemount Residents
· Bruno DiNella, Resident
· Vanessa Demuth, Resident and Utility Commission Member
Business Representatives
· Pat Bergin, Dakota Aggregates/Cemstone
· Alex Olin, Cemstone
· James Dreher, Proto Labs
· Don Sinnwell, Twin Cities Homes
· Kevin Haney, Spectro Alloys
· Kevin O’Rourke, Hawkins, Inc.
· Munzurul Islam, Acctech, LLC
Education Representatives
· Mike Schwanke, Coordinator of Facilities, ISD 196
· Sara Roberts, UMORE Park, University of Minnesota
· Scott Determan, Dakota County Technical College
Organization Representatives
· Avery Hildebrand, Conservation Minnesota
Energy Utility Representatives
· Elena Foshay, Partners in Energy Lead Facilitator
· Jamie Johnson, Partners in Energy Facilitator
· Tami Gunderzik, Partners in Energy Program Manager, Xcel Energy
· Yvonne Pfeifer, Community Energy Efficiency Manager, Xcel Energy
· Jake Sedlacek, Community Relations Manager, Xcel Energy
· Tim Doherty, Business Account Executive, Dakota Electric
· Jeff Larson, Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
· Jim Phillipo, Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
Glossary of Terms
Energy Action Plan: A written plan that includes an integrated approach to all aspects
of energy management and efficiency. This includes both short- and long-term goals,
strategies, and metrics to track performance.
Goals: The results toward which efforts and actions are directed. There can be a
number of objectives and goals outlined in order to successfully implement a plan.
GreenStep Cities: Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance
and recognition program managed by a public-private partnership to help cities achieve
their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. More information is available at:
greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/
kWh (kilowatt-hour): A unit of electricity consumption.
MMBtu (million British thermal units): A unit of energy consumption that allows both
electricity and natural gas consumption to be combined.
Premise: A unique identifier for the location of electricity or natural gas service. In most
cases it is a facility location. There can be multiple premises per building, and multiple
premises per individual debtor.
Recommissioning: An energy efficiency service focused on identifying ways that
existing building systems can be tuned-up to run as efficiently as possible.
STAR Communities: STAR communities is a rating system managed by ICLEI – Local
Governments for Sustainability. It serves to elevate, improve, and certify sustainable
communities. More information can be found at: www.starcommunities.org.
Therm: A unit of natural gas consumption.
Trade Ally: Trade Allies, or Business Trade Partners, are vendors and contractors
who work with business and residential customers servicing, installing, and providing
consulting services regarding the equipment associated with utility rebate programs.
Their support for utility programs can range from providing equipment, assisting with
rebate paperwork, to receiving rebates for equipment sold.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... i
Community Energy Use ................................................................................................ i
Our Vision .....................................................................................................................ii
Community-Wide Goal ..................................................................................................ii
Focus Area Goals ........................................................................................................ iii
Impact .......................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
Rosemount’s Commitment to Sustainability .................................................................... 2
Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy ................................................................................ 5
The Case for a Community Energy Action Plan .......................................................... 6
Plan Development Process ......................................................................................... 7
Baseline Community Energy Use .................................................................................... 9
Energy Data Overview ................................................................................................. 9
Baseline Energy Analysis .......................................................................................... 11
Current Energy Conservation ........................................................................................ 16
Renewable Energy ........................................................................................................ 18
Where Do We Want To Go? – Community’s Energy Vision, Goals, and Strategic
Priorities ........................................................................................................................ 19
Our Energy Vision...................................................................................................... 19
Goals ......................................................................................................................... 19
Focus Areas .............................................................................................................. 19
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy Savings ................................................................... 21
Residential Energy Goals and Strategies .................................................................. 23
Impact ........................................................................................................................ 27
Focus Area 2: Municipal Energy ................................................................................... 28
Municipal Energy Goals and Strategies ..................................................................... 30
Impact ........................................................................................................................ 32
Focus Area 3: Large Energy Users ............................................................................... 34
Large Energy Users Goal and Strategies .................................................................. 36
Impact ........................................................................................................................ 38
Focus Area 4: Small and Medium-Size Businesses ...................................................... 40
Small- and Medium-size Business Goals and Strategies .......................................... 41
Impact ........................................................................................................................ 43
Impact of Energy Action Plan ........................................................................................ 45
Plan Implementation...................................................................................................... 47
Short-term Priority Actions ......................................................................................... 47
Roles and Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 48
Implementation Launch ............................................................................................. 50
How Will We Stay On Course .................................................................................... 50
Appendix 1: Planning Memorandum of Understanding ................................................. 51
Appendix 2: Community Background ............................................................................ 55
Appendix 3: Utility Data ................................................................................................. 60
Appendix 4: Work Plan and Timeline ........................................................................... 67
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
i
Executive Summary
Rosemount is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades, and is committed
to ensuring that growth is sustainable. Over the past few years, Rosemount made initial
progress toward this end through a variety of actions. This plan represents renewed
goals and priorities that will help propel Rosemount toward a more sustainable and
affordable energy future. It offers a clear direction, based in data-informed decisions
made by members of the Rosemount community.
Rosemount’s Energy Action Plan sets measurable targets that will reduce energy use
and save on energy costs, and outlines action steps to achieve them. The Rosemount
Environment and Sustainability Task Force (REST) and City staff will lead
implementation of this plan, with active engagement from residents, businesses and
schools, as well as faith-based and community organizations. Working together,
Rosemount will achieve environmental, social, and economic progress that will
ultimately benefit future generations.
Community Energy Use
Rosemount is served by four utilities – Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric provide
electricity, and Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and CenterPoint Energy
provide natural gas service. While residences in Rosemount comprise the vast majority
of premises, or locations of electricity or natural gas service, commercial and industrial
customers consumed the majority (55 percent) of overall energy in 2016. Municipal
facilities represent about 2 percent of the community’s total energy consumption.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
ii
Our Vision
Our vision is that Rosemount will continue to foster pride in the community by becoming
a leader in sustainability and energy conservation. Residents and businesses will
demonstrate widespread support for renewable energy generation, as well as new,
smart efficiency technologies. Energy efficiency will help the City of Rosemount and its
residents save money, and broad community participation will ensure that savings
benefit all. As a result, energy costs are kept low, ensuring the community remains
affordable in the long-term.
Community-Wide Goal
Rosemount’s overall energy goal, which addresses both electricity and natural gas use,
is to reduce energy use by 5 percent by 2020, and 15 percent by 2030. To achieve
this goal, Rosemount identified four key areas of focus: Residential energy, municipal
energy, large energy users, and small- and medium-size businesses. In addition to the
community-wide goal, specific goals and targets were set for each of these four areas.
Over the next 18 months, Rosemount will take initial steps to achieve these goals with
the support of Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy.
41%
56%
3%
Electric Consumption (2016)
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
65%
33%
2%
Natural Gas Consumption (2016)
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
iii
Focus Area Goals
Impact
Rosemount spent an estimated $28.7 million on energy across all sectors in 2016.
Achieving all of the community’s energy goals will save Rosemount residents and
businesses more than $1 million over the next three years. It will also reduce the
community’s annual carbon footprint by more than 19,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent (MTCO2e), approximately equivalent to the carbon emitted from 4,100
passenger vehicles in one year.1 In addition, achieving Rosemount’s energy goals will
form new and lasting partnerships to support action. Outreach and events will raise
awareness about energy and cost saving opportunities. This will result in long-term,
active participation from a broad array of community members.
1 US Environmental Protection Agency (March 13, 2018). Greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator.
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
Residential
Energy
Municipal Energy
Large Energy
Users
Small and
Medium-size
Business
Goal:
·Increase residential program participation 5% in
year 1, and 10% in year 2 of implementation
Goals:
·Reduce City energy use 10% by 2020
·Generate 75% of the City’s energy with
renewables
Goal:
·85% of the top 20% of energy users participate
in energy conservation by 2020
Goals:
·Reduce small- and medium-size business
electricity use by 2% per year
·25 small- and medium-size businesses
participate in natural gas conservation programs
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
1
Introduction
Rosemount is projected to grow
significantly in the coming
decades (Figure 1). This Energy
Action Plan represents the
community’s commitment to
ensure growth is sustainable.
Rosemount made initial progress
toward this end over the past few
years, including adopting an
alternative energy ordinance and
establishing an Environment and
Sustainability Task Force. Now is
the time for residents,
businesses, and the municipal
government to take the next leap
forward in achieving progress
that will sustain economic
growth, protect the environment, and benefit future generations.
Rosemount’s Energy Action Plan identifies many cost-effective opportunities to improve
energy sustainability in Rosemount. New developments can integrate energy efficiency
and sustainability into building construction. Current residents can invest in their homes,
reducing energy use and saving money on energy
costs. Businesses can take action to help achieve
energy goals while improving their bottom line. The
City can set the standard for prioritizing energy
efficiency and renewable energy by making
investments in its own facilities. Working together,
residents, businesses, schools, faith communities,
elected officials, and the City can help build the
community’s reputation as an energy leader. This will
help attract new residents and businesses to the
community who are interested in being part of a
better vision for the future.
This plan offers a clear direction, based in data-
informed decisions made by members of the
Rosemount community. It sets forth measurable
2 Metropolitan Council (July 8, 2015). Council Forecasts. Retrieved from
https://metrocouncil.org/forecasts
Figure 1: Projected population and employment growth
for city of Rosemount2
Rosemount’s Steeple Center
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
2010 2020 2030 2040
Population Employment
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
2
targets and outlines action steps to achieve them. The goals and strategies laid out in
this plan are achievable and represent an important next step toward a vision of
Rosemount’s energy future. They seek to take advantage of available programs and
resources offered by the four utilities serving Rosemount, and link residents and
businesses to opportunities that will save them money on their utility bills. The plan
makes recommendations for different types of energy improvements, with the
understanding that all recommended improvements are examined and assessed for a
positive return on investment. After the first year of implementation, progress toward
goals will be evaluated to determine whether to stay the course or take even more
ambitious steps toward a sustainable energy future.
Rosemount’s Commitment to Sustainability
Rosemount has already taken several steps that demonstrate a commitment to
sustainability, with early actions largely driven by rapid growth and development. A
timeline summarizing these actions can be found in Figure 2. The City’s 2030
Comprehensive Plan includes several priorities aimed at ensuring the environment and
natural resources are protected, and that growth takes place in a way that can support
the current needs of residents and the needs of future generations. Rosemount has
been part of GreenStep Cities, a statewide voluntary challenge, assistance and
recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals,
since December of 2011, and is currently at Step 2. The city also joined more than
1,000 mayors in signing the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection agreement in
2011. The community’s first Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan was published in 2014,
with support from the Resilient Communities Project and the University of Minnesota.
The plan identified reducing electricity use as the best way for Rosemount to reduce
emissions, and called out the unique opportunity presented by pursuing sustainable
growth in future years.
Rosemount was an early participant in STAR Communities, a rating system sponsored
by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, to help communities set sustainability
goals and measure progress toward those goals. Rosemount was the first city in
Minnesota and the smallest city in the country to obtain a star rating. Rosemount
achieved 3-star status in 2015, as a result of a combination of actions in each of the
eight evaluation areas. The community scored high in two of these eight areas: health
and safety, and the built environment. However, many opportunities remain to take
action and deepen impact in the area of climate and energy.
In March of 2014, Rosemount adopted an Alternative Energy Ordinance to expand
opportunities for renewable energy development. The intention behind this zoning
ordinance is to clarify rules around renewable energy installations and make the
permitting process easier. Rosemount is home to a five megawatt community solar
garden, as well as the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery combined heat and
power plant, which will be completed in October 2018. The City covers 60 percent of
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
3
municipal electricity use through community solar subscriptions, and has researched the
possibility of putting rooftop solar on its community center.
The greatest opportunity for Rosemount to pursue sustainability is in the development of
UMore Park, a 5,000-acre property owned by the University of Minnesota. When fully
developed, UMore Park will be home to an estimated 20,000-30,000 residents and
businesses. A public engagement process established goals and principles for
sustainable development of the site, with an emphasis on quality of life, equity and
employment, sustainable food and water sources, net zero construction, and
sustainable transportation options. Development will occur in phases over the next
several decades, with the first phase completed over the next few years. In addition to
UMore Park, other new developments are being built with sustainability features. As an
example, Dunmore, a 90-home development currently under construction, will include
electric vehicle-ready hookups in all homes, and half of homes will have their water
heaters and air conditioners metered to take advantage of rates that encourage energy
conservation.
The Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force (REST) was formed in
2016 to advance issues of sustainability in the community. The purpose of the task
force is to advise City Council on sustainability issues, and ensure the city is making
progress on goals and actions related to its various commitments. The task force
charter was recently extended another two years, with supporting implementation of this
plan as one of the key components of their work. The City also received an
Environmental Assistance grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to
incorporate resiliency concepts into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
4
Figure 2: Community sustainability initiatives
Rosemount Sustainability Initiatives
December 2011 – Joined GreenStep Cities
· Achieved Step 2 status through a variety of actions taken, including:
o Land use planning
o Efforts to support sustainable growth
o Increasing access to a variety of transportation options
o Environmental management, including urban forests/parks and
water
o Supporting local food production
December 2011 – Signed US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection
Agreement
· Included a commitment to meet or exceed a target of 7 percent reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2012
March 2012 – Completed UMore Park Aspirational Goals and Action Plan
for Sustainability
· Public engagement process that established principles and goals for
sustainable development of UMore Park
January 2014 – Joined STAR Communities Network
· Achieved 3-star status in March of 2015
o Score of 75.4/100 for Health & Safety, with high marks for
community health and health system, safe communities, and
emergency prevention and response
o Score of 62.9/100 for Built Environment, with high marks for
community water systems, public spaces, and transportation
choices
o Score of 46.4/100 for Education, Arts, & Community, with high
marks for community cohesion
o Score of 37.5/100 for Climate & Energy, with high marks for
greenhouse gas mitigation and opportunities to improve building
energy efficiency and renewable energy supply
March 2014 – Adopted Alternative Energy Ordinance
· Expands opportunities for renewable energy development
· Eases permitting process
2016 – Formed the Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force
· Citizen group tasked with advising City Council on sustainability issues
2017 – Subscribed to Community Solar
· City commits to covering 60 percent of its electricity use with solar energy
2017 – Incorporating Resiliency Concepts into the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan
· City is currently incorporating sustainable and resilient opportunities into the 2040
Comprehensive Plan
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
5
Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy
Xcel Energy is one of four energy utilities providing natural gas or electricity services to
the City of Rosemount. In the summer of 2014, Xcel Energy launched Partners in
Energy to support communities like Rosemount in developing and implementing energy
action plans that supplement existing sustainability plans, strategies and tools. The
Partners in Energy process for success is diagrammed in Figure 3. The content of this
plan is derived from a series of planning workshops held in the community with a
planning team committed to representing local energy priorities and implementing plan
strategies.
Partners in Energy will continue to work with Rosemount to coordinate initial
implementation of the plan over the next 18 months. Partners in Energy and the City of
Rosemount will develop a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the specific
support Xcel Energy will provide, including the resources as diagrammed in Figure 4, to
help Rosemount deploy its strategies and achieve its goals.
Figure 3: Partners in Energy process for
success
Figure 4: Resources from Xcel Energy for
implementation
Project
Management
Communication
Assistance and
Resources
Tracking and
Measurement
Celebration and
Recognition of
Successes
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
6
The Case for a Community Energy Action Plan
Sustainability is a priority for
Rosemount. In a 2014 survey of
residents, energy conservation was the
second highest sustainability priority
identified, after protecting and
preserving environmental quality.
Previous efforts have made great
strides in the areas of land use and
water protection, as well as initial
progress in reducing energy-related
greenhouse gas emissions from City
buildings. The next big opportunity for
Rosemount is to focus on reducing
energy use in the built environment,
while continuing to support the
development of renewable energy
resources.
A 2016 resident survey at a community
event listed energy efficiency as the
second highest priority after water
conservation among environmental
initiatives for REST to focus on. In
pursuing engagement with Partners in Energy, REST saw an opportunity to advance
sustainability by identifying creative ways to engage residents and businesses in
improving their community. As stated in their Partners in Energy application, REST was
interested in practical ways to increase energy efficiency, “…starting with the simplest
and easiest items first [and] then moving on to improve energy efficiency in City-owned
buildings … new construction, and businesses.” The Rosemount Environment and
Sustainability Task Force wanted to help residents overcome obstacles to taking action,
and is committed to playing a leadership role in plan implementation.
Rosemount’s Partners in Energy Application, First
Page
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
7
Plan Development Process
To develop Rosemount’s energy action
plan, REST recruited a diverse group of
business representatives, residents,
City staff, school district
representatives, and representatives of
other organizations and institutions in
the community, as well as
representatives of utilities serving the
community. See the
Acknowledgements section at the
beginning of this document for a
complete list of participants. This
Energy Action Team met over the
course of six months to review
community energy use data, set
priorities and goals, and develop
strategies to meet those goals. A
summary of the workshops can be
found in Figure 5. Between workshops,
a core team of City staff and task force members met regularly, and Energy Action
Team members completed surveys to provide additional input on goals and strategies.
Rosemount’s Energy Action Team
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
8
Figure 5: Overview of plan development process
Planning Workshop Summary
Workshop 1
October 30, 2017
· Team introductions and Partners in Energy process overview
· Reviewed baseline energy data including past city and
community energy initiatives.
· Discussed community energy vision and priorities.
Workshop 2
December 6, 2017
· Prioritized focus areas that emerged from workshop 1 and the
pre-workshop 2 survey.
· Introduced the group to the goal setting process and sample
community goals.
· Provided an overview of available utility programs and
incentives.
· Set initial goals for each focus area and begin brainstorming
strategies.
Workshop 3
January 8, 2018
· Identified available communication channels available in
Rosemount.
· Reviewed examples of strategies implemented in other
Partners in Energy communities.
· Broke into focus area groups and continued discussing goals
and strategies.
Workshop 4
February 12, 2018
· Established parameters for community-wide energy goal.
· Completed an impact and feasibility assessment for proposed
focus area strategies.
· Discussed implementation resource requirements.
Workshop 5
March 19, 2017
· Finalized goals and strategies, and highlighted implementers
and timelines for each focus area strategy.
· Assessed necessary resources for implementation of plan
strategies.
· Completed a SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities,
threats) analysis of the Energy Action Plan.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
9
Baseline Community Energy Use
Energy Data Overview
An integral part of the energy planning workshops was energy and program
participation data provided by Xcel Energy, combined with data from other utilities that
serve the community. These data enabled the Energy Action Team to decide where to
focus Rosemount’s energy efforts and allowed the team to forecast the impact of
proposed energy goals.
Energy Utility Service Territories
Rosemount is served by four utilities – Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric provide
electricity, and Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and CenterPoint Energy
provide natural gas service. Figure 6 below outlines the electric utility service territories
in Rosemount. Dakota Electric serves the northwestern and southeastern parts of
Rosemount, while Xcel Energy provides electric service to the central parts of the city
as well as to the northeastern corner.
Figure 6: Rosemount electric service territory map3
The map shown in Figure 7 below outlines the distribution of Xcel Energy natural gas
premises by census tract in Rosemount. As can be seen on the map, the sections of the
city where most of the residents and businesses are concentrated are served by other
utilities - primarily Minnesota Energy Resources. CenterPoint Energy serves a small
3 Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (January 2018). Electric Utility Service Areas. Retrieved from
http://minnesota.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=95ae13000e0b4d53a793423df1176
514
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
10
segment of residential premises in the southwest corner of the city. The majority of new
development in the community will likely be in areas where natural gas service is
provided by Xcel Energy. This includes UMore Park, which is located in the southern
section of the city.
Figure 7: Concentration of Xcel Energy natural gas premises by census tract
Energy Data Sources
Energy data specific to Rosemount and documented in this plan comes from all four
utilities serving the community. Xcel Energy data includes both residential and
commercial energy use and program participation covering three years (2014-2016).
Dakota Electric data includes both residential and commercial electric energy use for
three years (2014-2016) and conservation program participation for two years (2015-
2016). Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation (MERC) covers residential and
commercial natural gas use for 2016, and conservation program participation and
savings for two years (2015-2016). CenterPoint Energy data covers residential energy
use for three years (2014-2016) and residential program participation and savings for
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
11
two years (2015-2016). Commercial energy use for CenterPoint Energy customers, as
well as program participation and savings, could not be reported due to 15x15 data
privacy rules.4 In addition to the commercial premise removed from CenterPoint Energy
data, one commercial electric premise and six residential gas premises were removed
from Xcel Energy baseline data as a result of violating the 15x15 rule.
Baseline Energy Analysis
This section summarizes community-wide energy use, conservation program
participation, and historic energy savings. It establishes a baseline against which
progress toward goals will be compared in the future.
Detailed data tables summarizing information received
from all four utilities are included in Appendix 3.
Energy Utility Premises
There are a total of 9,475 electric premises and 8,270
natural gas premises in Rosemount. The vast majority of
both electric (91 percent) and natural gas (97 percent)
premises are residential, as depicted in Figure 8.
4 The electricity data in this plan complies with Xcel Energy’s 15 x15 privacy rules, which require all data
summary statistics to contain at least 15 entities, with no single entity responsible for more than 15
percent of the total. Following these rules, if an entity is responsible for more than 15 percent of the total
for that data set, they are removed from the summary.
A premise is a unique
identifier for the location of
electricity or natural gas
service. In most cases it is
a facility or building
location.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
12
Figure 8: Distribution of premises (2016)5
A breakdown of type and number of premises provided with each service (electric only,
gas only, or electric and gas combined), and which utility those premises are served by,
is shown in Figure 9 below. Xcel Energy serves 64 percent of residential electric
premises, and most of the commercial electric premises in the community. The
remaining residential and commercial electric premises are served by Dakota Electric.
Minnesota Energy Resources serves 90 percent of residential natural gas premises,
and all but one of the commercial natural gas premises in the community. CenterPoint
Energy serves 15 residential premises and only one commercial premise in the
community.
5 Includes data from Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric, Minnesota Energy Resources, and CenterPoint Energy
91%
8%
1%
Distribution of Electric
Premises (2016)
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
97%
3%
0.1%
Distribution of Natural Gas
Premises (2016)
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
13
Figure 9: Premises served by Rosemount utilities (2016)
Premises Xcel Energy
Minnesota Energy
Resources Corp
(MERC)
Dakota
Electric
CenterPoint
Energy
Residential Electric Only 5,190 n/a 3,081 n/a
Residential Gas Only 400 7,473 n/a 15
Residential Electric + Gas 382 n/a n/a n/a
Commercial Electric Only 7046 n/a 155 n/a
Commercial Gas Only n/a 284 n/a 1
Commercial Electric + Gas n/a n/a n/a n/a
Multifamily buildings can be represented as either residential or commercial premises,
or a combination of both, depending on how they are metered. If units are individually
metered, those units would be counted as residential premises. If buildings have a
common meter, or a separate meter for common areas, that would be counted as a
commercial premise. For example, a 20-unit building that is metered individually for
electric service, but has one common meter for natural gas service would count as 20
residential electric premises and one commercial natural gas premise.
Energy Consumption
While residences comprise the vast majority of premises in Rosemount, they consumed
just 45 percent of overall energy in 2016. Broken down by fuel source, residential
customers consumed 41 percent of electricity, and 65 percent of natural gas in 2016,
and commercial and industrial customers consumed 56 percent of electricity and 33
percent of natural gas (Figure 10 and Figure 11). Municipal facilities represent about 2
percent of the community’s total energy consumption. Combined, Rosemount spent an
estimated $28.7 million on energy in 2016.
6 Includes premises with zero kWh use in 2016
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
14
Figure 10: Rosemount electricity consumption (2016)7
Figure 11: Rosemount natural gas consumption (2016)8
Rosemount homes used 9,723 kWh and 811 therms per premise in 2016, on average,
and spent an estimated combined cost of $1,568 per year, or $130 per month, on
energy. While not the highest average energy user in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area,
Rosemount’s per household daily energy use is above that of many other suburban
7 Includes data from Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric
8 Includes data from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and CenterPoint Energy
Residential
41%
Commercial and
Industrial
56%
Municipal
3%
Electric Consumption (2016)
203,882,837
Total
2016
Electric (kWh)
Residential
65%
Commercial and
Industrial
33%
Municipal
2%
Natural Gas Consumption (2016)
10,357,878
Total
2016
Gas (therms)
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
15
communities (Figure 12). Figure 13 shows where the highest residential energy users
are concentrated.
Figure 12: Comparison of average residential energy use9
9 Regional Indicators Initiative (2013).Retrieved from https://www.regionalindicatorsmn.com/
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
16
Figure 13: Average residential electricity use per premise (2016)10
Current Energy Conservation
Rosemount residents and businesses have taken some important first steps in reducing
energy use. In 2016, one in eight residential premises participated in at least one
conservation program through Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, or Dakota
Electric. As a result, Rosemount residents saved 212,162 kWh and 99,175 therms,
representing 1.1 percent of total residential energy use. Figure 14 summarizes
residential conservation program participation across the past three years. Prescriptive
rebates for appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, washing machines and
clothes dryers, and heating and cooling equipment, represented the greatest level of
participation. There have also been consistently high levels of participation in programs
to support energy efficiency in new home construction, showing that the majority of new
homes are energy efficient.
10 Xcel Energy data only
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
17
Figure 14: Residential conservation program participation, 2014-201611
The overall rate of commercial program participation has been slightly higher than that
of the residential sector over the past three years. In 2016, 7 percent of commercial and
industrial electric premises in Rosemount participated in conservation programs, saving
an estimated 4.3 million kWh. At the same time, 30 percent of commercial and industrial
natural gas premises participated in conservation programs, saving a total of 3,710
therms. Across all utilities, commercial and industrial customers took over 140 energy
saving actions in 2016, saving about 2 percent of total energy use for that sector.
Figure 15 shows program participation over the past three years for all commercial and
industrial customers. Lighting is the most common upgrade across the board, followed
by HVAC system upgrades. Participation is concentrated among the largest energy
users – of Xcel Energy commercial electric customers, 38 percent have participated in
at least one conservation program over the past three years.
11 Includes data from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and Dakota Electric
23
189
3
26
46 50
1 10
313
9
137
16
34
62 54
3
413
19
184
18 21
82
55
5
442
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
Number of Participants2014
2015
2016
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
18
Figure 15: Commercial and industrial conservation program participation, 2014-201612
Programs serving multifamily buildings may fall under the residential or commercial
category, depending on the utility and the specifics of the program. Figure 15 reflects
participation Minnesota Energy Resources’ multifamily program, with each individual
unit counted separately. This means that the program likely served all units in one or
two large multifamily buildings or complexes in a given year.
Renewable Energy
Rosemount has taken some initial strides to support renewable energy. The City of
Rosemount recently made a commitment to cover 60 percent of its electricity use with
renewable energy through subscriptions to community solar gardens. This represents
approximately 2,900,000 kWh each year. A total of 191 Rosemount residents and two
businesses subscribed to renewable energy through Xcel Energy’s Windsource®
program in 2016, a slight increase over the previous two years. Of these, 15 elected to
cover 100 percent of their annual electricity use with wind energy. Forty-four residents
and two businesses are currently subscribed to Dakota Electric’s Wellspring Renewable
Energy® program. Total subscriptions through these two programs represent about 0.3
12 Includes data from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and Dakota Electric
3 1 2 8 41 1
16
1
19
7 2
162
3 1 4 3
16
1
35
24
1
50
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Number of Participants2014
2015
2016
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
19
percent of total community electricity use. Additionally, according to City permit data
there are five rooftop solar installations in the community.13
Where Do We Want To Go? – Community’s Energy Vision, Goals, and
Strategic Priorities
In the first planning workshop, the Energy Action Team worked together to develop a
shared vision for Rosemount’s energy future. This vision represents the priorities of the
team and the community throughout the energy planning process.
Our Energy Vision
Goals
Rosemount set a goal to reduce energy use, with benchmarks to measure progress in
the short- and long-term.
· Rosemount’s community-wide goal is to reduce energy use by 5 percent by
2020, and 15 percent by 2030.
Hitting this goal would save Rosemount residents and businesses more than $1 million
in energy costs over the next three years. It would also reduce the community’s annual
carbon footprint by more than 19,000 MTCO2e, approximately equivalent to the carbon
emitted from 4,100 passenger vehicles in one year.14 In addition, achieving
Rosemount’s energy goal will require active participation from residents and
businesses, inspiring long-term and active engagement in the community.
Focus Areas
After analyzing baseline energy use and program participation information, four priority
focus areas were identified for the short-term, to be addressed over the next three
years.
13 Rosemount City permit data, 2012-2016
14 US Environmental Protection Agency (March 13, 2018). Greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator.
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
Rosemount will continue to foster pride in the community by becoming a
leader in sustainability and energy conservation. Residents and businesses
will demonstrate widespread support for renewable energy generation, as well
as new, smart efficiency technologies. Energy efficiency will help the City of
Rosemount and its residents save money, and broad community participation
will ensure that savings benefit all. As a result, energy costs are kept low,
ensuring the community remains affordable in the long-term.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
20
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy Savings
· Includes single-family homes, townhomes, and mobile homes as well as
multifamily buildings with between two and four units. Also includes new
construction and home renovation, and outreach targeting low-income residents.
Focus Area 2: Municipal Energy
· Includes all City buildings and other facilities such as parks, picnic shelters, and
parking lots.
Focus Area 3: Large Energy Users
· Represents the top 20 percent of energy users, which includes commercial and
industrial businesses, schools, places of worship, and multifamily buildings with
five or more units.
Focus Area 4: Small and Medium Businesses
· Represents all other businesses in the community, which includes offices,
restaurants, retail establishments, and light industrial.
The following sections outline why these focus areas represent the best opportunities to
reduce Rosemount’s community energy use. Woven throughout are examples from the
community of entities finding concrete benefit in energy conservation. These stories
demonstrate a key component that is integrated into all four focus areas — educating
residents and businesses on the benefits and importance of energy efficiency to help
build widespread support and motivation to act.
The group discussed renewable energy as an important component to building a
sustainable community that should be discussed as part of outreach and engagement
activities. However, aside from a municipal goal around support of renewable energy
generation, the plan does not currently include other goals and targets related to
renewable energy adoption. It was agreed that energy efficiency was a higher short-
term priority, and that renewable energy would be addressed in years 3-5 of
implementation and beyond.
Entering into the planning process, the decision was made by the Energy Action Team
to exclude the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend Refinery from focus area goal and
strategy development. This is based on the assumption that the refinery has its own
energy management strategies and generation capacity, and operates on a scale very
different from other entities in the community. As a result, the Energy Action Team
preferred to focus efforts resulting from this plan on bringing energy conservation
benefits to the rest of the community.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
21
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy Savings
Residential energy savings is a key priority for Rosemount, not only for the opportunity
to reduce energy bills, but also as a way to promote broad community engagement.
Within the residential sector, there are both homeowners and renters living in a variety
of housing types. Utilities serving Rosemount offer various programs and incentives to
help residents save money on energy bills while also contributing to the community’s
energy reduction goals.
Most residents – 87 percent – own their homes.15 Homeowners are a key target
audience because they are most likely to invest in property improvements that will save
money and improve the value of their home. More than half of existing homes in
Rosemount are close to 30 years old or older, and likely have many opportunities to
improve efficiency (Figure 16).
Figure 16: Housing units by year built, Rosemount, 201616
Housing Year Built % of Units
2014 or later 0.5%
2010-2013 3.9%
2000-2009 37.4%
1980-1999 39.6%
1960-1979 14.3%
1940-1959 3.1%
1939 or earlier 1.3%
Residential New Construction and Renovation
To provide a closer snapshot of housing construction and renovation in Rosemount,
Figure 17 shows the number of residential permits issued each year between 2012 and
2016. As Rosemount grows, annual new construction permits maintain a steady pace,
with a slight increase in 2016. The number of new construction permits issued aligns
with the count of participants in utility new construction rebate programs. This means
that energy efficiency is a key feature of new homes being built in the community. At the
same time, the large and growing number of permits issued for existing homes
completing renovation projects indicates a key opportunity to integrate energy efficiency
as homeowners plan kitchen or bathroom remodels, furnace replacements, additions, or
other large home improvement projects. This tells us that, while continuing to ensure
that new homes built in Rosemount are efficient, a higher priority in the short-term is to
address efficiency in existing, and particularly older, homes.
15 American Community Survey, 2016.
16 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2011-2015
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
22
Figure 17: Residential new construction and renovation permits issued by the City of Rosemount,
2012-2016.17
Low-Income Households
Ensuring that the cost of living remains affordable for low- and fixed-income households
is a top priority for Rosemount. While poverty rates in the community are less than half
of the statewide average, an estimated 13 percent, or just over 1,000 households, earn
less than 50 percent of the state median income, which is the threshold for energy
assistance eligibility.18 Many of these households are seniors living on fixed incomes–
and saving money on energy costs would offer them an important benefit. Utilities offer
free energy efficiency services to income-qualified homes, and the strategies laid out in
this plan seek to maximize the number of eligible households taking advantage of this
resource. Figure 18 shows where low-income households are concentrated in
Rosemount. The darkest segment includes a mobile home community where REST will
focus outreach efforts in the first year of plan implementation.
17 City of Rosemount permit data, 2017
18 American Community Survey, 2016.
72 96 89 99 118
627 604
836
725
771
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Number of PermitsNew
Construction
Renovation
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
23
Figure 18: Concentration of low-income homes in Rosemount, 2015
Residential Energy Goals and Strategies
With a focus on increasing the number of households taking advantage of available
utility conservation programs and resources, Rosemount set the following goal for
reducing energy use in the residential sector:
· Increase residential program participation 5 percent in year 1, and 10
percent in year 2 of implementation.
To achieve this goal, the Energy Action Team set several targets for increasing current
levels of participation in available utility programs and incentives (Figure 19). Particular
emphasis will be placed on home energy audits as an entry point and key first step in
identifying cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy use. Energy audit services
normally include follow-up support to assist customers in completing recommended
improvements.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
24
Figure 19: Residential program participation targets during first two years of implementation19
Program Baseline 2018 2019
Overall Participation 823 41 additional 82 additional
Home Energy Audits 19 55 60
Refrigerator Recycling 21 45 45
Low-income Weatherization 15 28 30
Prescriptive Rebates 584 561 595
New Construction 184 175 175
Residential Energy Strategies
The following strategies and actions outline how Rosemount will achieve its residential
energy savings goal. The timeline for implementing the actions listed, including priority
actions for the first year of implementation, can be found in Appendix 4.
Focus Area: Residential Energy Savings
Strategy 1: Create a centralized, quick-reference guide for residents interested in
saving energy
Actions:
· Create a page on the City website where residents can access the Energy Action
Plan and quick-reference guide.
· Work with utilities to summarize and provide links to information about available
programs and rebates, as well as maps that outline utility territories.
· Simplify options, focusing on a few key opportunities like energy audits and
refrigerator recycling.
· Design a format that is easy to understand and facilitates action.
· Delegate responsibility for keeping the guide updated.
19 Targets are based on generalized groupings of similar programs offered by the utilities serving
Rosemount. Specific program names, eligibility requirements, and rebate or incentive offerings vary by
utility.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
25
Focus Area: Residential Energy Savings
Strategy 2: Design and implement an outreach campaign to educate residents
about energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
Actions:
· Survey residents about energy knowledge and communication channels to help
inform campaign design.
· Utilize available channels to raise awareness and motivate residents to act,
including:
· Social media
· City newsletter
· Newspaper
· Water bill inserts
· Tabling at community events
· Partner with Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to distribute information to
their members
· Highlight residents who have taken action to reduce energy use or adopt
renewable energy through news articles, testimonials, case studies, and letters
to the editor.
· Conduct outreach through local civic groups--including places of worship and
school groups--to engage residents in energy efficiency.
· Create an award program to recognize residents who have taken action to
reduce energy use. Leverage award winner stories to inspire more participation.
Strategy 3: Promote energy efficiency in residential new construction and
renovations.
Actions:
· Host CEU-eligible training for realtors in the area to help them interpret energy
audit results and convey the value of energy efficiency to prospective
homebuyers.
· Provide information about residential energy efficiency programs and rebates at
City permit desk, targeting home renovations.
· Develop informational materials that include case studies to maximize energy
efficiency at key moments of opportunity, such as when a furnace or water heater
needs to be replaced.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
26
Focus Area: Residential Energy Savings
Strategy 4: Conduct targeted outreach that brings energy savings to low- and
fixed-income households
Actions:
· Create simplified informational materials summarizing low-income utility
programs available through all four utilities serving Rosemount.
· Partner with local organizations serving low-income residents and those living on
a fixed income to promote income qualified energy and weatherization
assistance.
· Conduct door-to-door outreach in areas where low-income residents are
concentrated.
· Ensure informational materials are available in languages other than English.
Outreach Targets
Outreach efforts will target all residents, particularly families with children, low- and
fixed-income households, homeowners planning renovation projects, and those with
social connections that can help spread the message. As Rosemount is closely
connected to neighboring cities, outreach will likely benefit those in surrounding
communities as well. Outreach will seek to enhance benefits and overcome barriers to
taking energy action, maximizing awareness about available programs and rebates, and
seeking to make participation as convenient as possible.
Measuring Success
Success in this focus area will be measured using the following metrics:
· Participation in utility conservation programs
· Energy savings resulting from program participation
· Number of residents engaged through taking an energy survey or signing up for
more information during outreach events
· Number of low-income homes reached during outreach
· Partnerships built with organizations in the community
Primary Partners
The Rosemount Energy and Sustainability Task Force, with support from Partners in
Energy, will play a key role in leading the strategies and actions outlined above. To
reach their targets, they will depend on additional support from the following
organizations and entities:
· Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver, Dakota Counties
· Rosemount Family Resource Center
· Rosemount Parks and Recreation
· Rosemount School District (ISD 196)
· School green teams
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
27
Impact
To calculate impact, it was assumed that the population would grow an average of two
percent per year, which is a moderate estimate based on projections provided by the
Metropolitan Council and included in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.20 Achieving
the residential participation goal will reduce energy use by 13 percent below where the
community would have been by 2030, based on this two percent population growth
scenario (Figure 20). If targets are achieved, Rosemount will save 243,000 kWh and
109,000 therms in the first year of implementation, and participating households will
save an estimated average of $120 per year on their energy bills.21
Figure 20: Projected residential energy savings22
20 More information about Rosemount’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan can be found at
https://ci.rosemount.mn.us/643/Comprehensive-Plan-Update
21 Energy cost savings estimates for all focus areas were calculated by multiplying projected kWh and
therm savings time average rates per kWh and therm taken from Xcel Energy filed rates. Actual cost
savings for each participating customer will vary. Savings calculations do not take into account projected
increases in energy costs, which would result in higher cost savings for participants in future years.
22 Energy impacts are quantified in MMBtu (million British thermal units): A unit of energy consumption
that allows both electricity and natural gas consumption to be combined.
-
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2,000
201620182020202220242026202820302032203420362038204020422044204620482050MMBtu(thousands)2016 Energy
use
Energy use (2%
growth)
Energy Use
After Savings
(2% Growth)
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Focus Area 2: Municipal Energy
While City buildings and facilities only consume two percent of the community’s total
energy use, they represent an important opportunity to demonstrate leadership and
serve as an example for both residents and businesses. Cost-effective investments
made in reducing energy use and increasing renewable energy generation will raise the
bar for others in the community, providing concrete and public examples of the value of
energy conservation. Additionally, taking action to reduce energy use and increase
renewable energy generation will advance Rosemount’s standing in both GreenStep
Cities and STAR Communities, earning both state and national recognition for its
efforts.
Municipal Energy Use
The City of Rosemount owns 44 electric premises and 11 natural gas premises. City
facilities consumed a total of 4,956,500 kWh and 190,814 therms in 2016. Only 21
percent of municipal premises are buildings, but these represent 87 percent of total
municipal energy use (Figure 21). The remaining premises are related to water storage
and distribution, as well as lighting at parks and outdoor recreation facilities. Much can
be done to make City buildings more efficient, and investing in efficiency will save on
costs and demonstrate good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Figure 21: Rosemount municipal premises by type
Municipal Energy Opportunities
The Rosemount Community Center and Ice Arena is- the highest energy user among
municipal facilities (Figure 22 and Figure 23). It also represents the greatest opportunity
for conservation. In addition to other municipal facilities and parking lots, the City plans
to replace existing lighting at the Community Center and Ice Arena with LEDs and install
occupancy sensors in areas where they make sense. There are also plans to install a
low-emissivity ceiling in the ice arena that will help reduce heating and cooling costs,
Wells
21%
Sanitary/Storm Lift
Stations
36%Water Towers
11%
Park Shelters
11%
Buildings
21%
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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and the Parks and Recreation Department is researching options for replacing the
current chiller needed to make ice with a system that is more efficient.
Figure 22: Rosemount municipal facilities electricity use, 201623
Figure 23: Rosemount municipal facilities natural gas use, 201624
23 Data from Xcel Energy
24 Data from Minnesota Energy Resources
2,639,800
460,040
1,218,673
155,760 191,440 103,483 187,304
-
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
Community
Center and
Ice Arena
City Hall Wells (6 of
9)
Senior
Center
Fire
Stations
1&2
Public
Works
Buildings
Remaining
Municipal
PremiseskWh
112,492
30,453
765
12,030
17,445 15,855
1,774
-
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
Community
Center and
Ice Arena
City Hall Wells (6 of 9) Senior
Center
Fire Stations
1&2
Public Works
Buildings
Remaining
Municipal
PremisesTherms
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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There are also opportunities to reduce energy use through improved building operations.
By reviewing current practices and updating building operation standards, as well as
providing training to facility managers involved in implementing changes, the City can
capture additional energy and cost savings through behavior change. Additionally, City
Hall, the two fire stations, and other buildings would benefit from energy assessments to
identify and prioritize opportunities to reduce energy use.
In addition to reducing energy use, the City wants to show leadership in adoption of
renewable energy generation. As stated earlier, the City currently subscribes to
community solar at an amount equivalent to 60 percent of its electricity use. The City
wants to expand its use of renewable energy in a way that saves on energy costs or is
cost-neutral, and seeks to install an on-site system that can be seen and potentially
influence others to do the same.
Municipal Energy Goals and Strategies
To demonstrate energy leadership and motivate others in the community to take action,
Rosemount set the following municipal goals:
· Reduce City energy use 10 percent by 2020.
· Generate 75 percent of the city’s energy with renewable energy.
To achieve these goals, the City laid out the following targets for the next three years:
· All buildings and park shelters are upgraded to LEDs (12 facilities total)
· Community center completed recommissioning
· City Hall and two fire stations complete Xcel Energy Turn Key Services
assessment
· Ice Arena completed custom efficiency rebate for low-E ceiling and new
refrigerant
· Natural gas efficiency upgrades that result in eight prescriptive rebates received
· Subscription through Xcel Energy’s Windsource® program or on-site generation
equivalent to 679,241 kWh
The following strategies and actions will help the City achieve its energy goals.
Recognizing that buy-in of elected officials and City leaders is critical in engaging them
as key partners is woven into the strategies listed below. Broad engagement of City
staff from all departments is also important, and will require some initial outreach during
the first phase of plan implementation.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Focus Area: Municipal Energy
Strategy 1: Enhance perception of Rosemount as a sustainable city by promoting
prior and current efforts to reduce energy use in city buildings and invest in
renewable energy.
Actions:
· Draft and publish news articles highlighting City leadership in energy efficiency.
· Highlight actions taken on the City website.
· Educate City Council on actions taken and benefits of efficiency and renewables
so they can become champions in the community.
Strategy 2: Pursue on-site installation of renewable energy generation on City
buildings.
Actions:
· Develop technical specifications for renewable energy projects on City buildings.
· Consult with other locations of similar size that have successfully installed on-site
solar.
· Research and prioritize financing options.
· Develop a proposal to present to City Council.
Strategy 3: Pursue energy efficiency opportunities in City buildings.
Actions:
· Develop tools/resources to clearly define return on investment of efficiency
actions.
· Replace all lights in City facilities with LED lights and install motion sensors
wherever possible.
· Evaluate City lighting, including parking lights, and building lights for smart
control opportunities.
· Continue to maximize energy efficiency in scheduled projects at the municipal ice
arena, including installing a low-e ceiling and efficient refrigeration system.
Strategy 4: Reduce energy use through efficient building operations.
Actions:
· Update City buildings operations manual, incorporating all opportunities to
improve efficiency.
· Keep building benchmarking data up to date.
· Train facilities staff on efficient building operations.
· Implement an employee engagement campaign to engage all City staff in energy
efficient behaviors.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Measuring Success
Success in this focus area will be measured using the following metrics:
· Number of efficiency upgrades made to City facilities.
· Number of energy assessments completed.
· Energy savings resulting from efficiency upgrades and changes in building
operations.
· Level of commitment and buy-in from City leadership and elected officials.
· Number of employees who participate in training and engagement opportunities.
All efficiency improvement opportunities will be evaluated for return on investment, and
priority will be placed on cost-effectiveness when determining which opportunities to
pursue.
Impact
Achieving the municipal energy conservation goal to reduce energy use 10 percent by
2020 will save the City an estimated $70,000 in energy costs (Figure 24). If targets are
achieved, Rosemount will save 281,000 kWh and 2,600 therms in the first year of
implementation. Additionally, achieving the renewable energy goal means an additional
679,241 kWh of electricity generated by renewable resources each year, which would
reduce the City’s 2018 greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 9 percent.
Figure 24: Projected reduction in municipal energy use
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020MMBtu (thousands)2016 Energy use
Energy Reduction Goal
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Energy Spotlight: Independent School District 196
Energy efficiency is a standard practice for Rosemount schools thanks to Mike
Schwanke, coordinator of facilities and grounds for Independent School District 196.
When an old furnace, boiler, or hot water heater needs replacement in one of the
buildings, Schwanke always chooses ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment to cut down
on future operating costs. The school district adopted an Energy Plan in 2008, which
included building controls, lighting schedules, plug load reduction strategies, and energy
efficiency in all new building construction going forward.
The district also conducted energy audits in its buildings as a first step to save energy.
“Start with an audit, and from there you can see what is realistic,” says Schwanke. Each
building also has a building automation system (BAS) that saves gas and electricity by
scheduling lights to shut off in the evening and thermostats to adjust room temperatures
by 5-10 degrees. Two hours before school begins, the BAS turns the lights back on and
resets the temperature in time for students and faculty to arrive.
Lighting represents a huge opportunity for energy and cost savings for the district,
according to Schwanke. For example, the District Office East building recently upgraded
45 lights from 1000 Watt metal-halide lamps to 295 Watt LEDs. This reduced the
building’s total electric use 30 percent, saving roughly $7,500 on energy bills annually.
Additionally, as part of the Schools for Energy Efficiency (SEE) program, the school
district identified behavioral changes to save energy, such as turning off lights and
computer monitors in unoccupied classrooms. Schwanke’s next priority: to reduce
heating costs by replacing old, drafty windows in school buildings.
Rosemount High School’s Gymnasium
Photo by William Wesen | CC BY
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Focus Area 3: Large Energy Users
Large energy users are an important target for energy conservation efforts. Not only
does this group represent great potential for capturing energy savings, it also includes
some of the community’s most prominent business leaders. Action taken by large
energy users can inspire others in the community to follow suit as peer influence can be
a key source of motivation for some.
There are various types of end users included in this large energy users group.
Businesses in this group include industrial and manufacturing companies, as well as
large retail stores. Also included in this group may be schools, large places of worship,
and buildings belonging to nonprofit organizations, as well as multifamily buildings with
more than five apartment units.
In 2016, commercial premises represented about 43 percent of the community’s total
energy consumption. A closer look at energy use among those commercial premises
shows that the top 20 percent, about 190 premises, consume 92 percent of commercial
electricity use (Figure 25) and about 90 percent of overall commercial energy use,
making them a key target for energy conservation.
Figure 25: Rosemount commercial electricity use by quintile (2016)25
Because the opportunities to save energy and money are so great, many of the largest
energy users have already taken some action. For example, 38 percent of Xcel Energy
large commercial electric customers have taken at least one energy action in the past
three years. However, even those that have made some initial investments in reducing
25 Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric customer data
Top Quintile,
105,868,163 kWh ,
92%
8%
Top Quintile
Bottom 80% of premises
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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energy use often have additional projects identified that haven’t been pursued. This also
means that close to 62 percent of large energy users have not taken any action to save
energy in the past three years, and could be key targets for outreach efforts.
Multifamily Buildings
About 6 percent of units in Rosemount’s multifamily buildings are in buildings with more
than 5 apartment units (Figure 26). As stated previously, larger multifamily buildings
may be included as part of residential or commercial energy use, or both, depending on
how they are metered. For the purposes of this plan, multifamily buildings with five or
more units are counted as large energy users. While there are newer multifamily
buildings that were constructed in the past decade, just under half of all units in
multifamily buildings are more than 25 years old and likely have many opportunities for
energy conservation (Figure 27). Close to two thirds of units in larger apartment
buildings are rented (Figure 26), so outreach efforts must target both landlords and
tenants, particularly in buildings where tenants pay utility bills.
Figure 26: Housing units by type and tenure26
Number of Units Percent Owned Rented
Single Family
(attached or detached) 7,107 90% 90% 10%
2-4 Unit 143 2% 44% 56%
5+ Unit 435 6% 39% 61%
Mobile Home 169 2% 84% 16%
Figure 27: Multifamily units by age27
26 American Community Survey, 2016
27 Ibid.
23
24
48
39
9
14
226
120
75
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
2010 or Later
2000-2009
1980-1999
1960-1979
1940-1959
1939 or earlier
2-4 Unit
5+ Unit
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Large Energy Users Goal and Strategies
To encourage universal action to reduce energy consumption, Rosemount set the
following goal for large energy users:
· 85 percent of the top 20 percent of energy users participate in energy
conservation over the next three years.
This compares to a baseline participation rate of 47 percent, and will require an
estimated additional 75 energy saving actions among large energy users over the next
three years. Achieving this target will require engagement of a variety of partners,
utilizing all available channels for outreach and engagement. The following strategies
and actions outline how the large energy users goal will be achieved.
Focus Area: Large Energy Users
Strategy 1: Identify and promote the top energy actions large energy users can
take.
Actions:
· Engage with local Chamber of Commerce to co-host energy
workshops/information sessions.
· Conduct one-on-one outreach to discuss efficiency opportunities and connect
businesses to available resources.
· Promote expertise and support offered by utilities to improve existing building
efficiency and maximize efficiency in new construction through targeted
information materials.
· Engage City leadership and elected officials in business outreach through
meetings with one or more businesses in the community.
Strategy 2: Offer support to facility managers in making decisions to invest in
energy efficiency.
Actions:
· Promote success stories of local businesses and other large energy users that
have saved money by taking action to reduce energy use.
· Support staff in bringing energy saving opportunities with Return-on-Investment
information to decision makers/management.
· Promote MnTAP as a resource to Rosemount’s large energy users; assist at
least one business in obtaining MnTAP assistance.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Focus Area: Large Energy Users
Strategy 3: Leverage economic development efforts to attract new businesses by
promoting energy efficiency
Actions:
· Develop informational resources targeting businesses considering locating in
Rosemount.
· Connect businesses locating in Rosemount to utility key account managers to
help plan for efficient operations at new locations.
· Train City economic development staff on energy efficiency resources and
opportunities so they can share with businesses during regular interactions.
Strategy 4: Promote energy efficiency in multifamily buildings
Actions:
· Develop informational materials about energy efficiency programs and incentives
aimed at both building owners/property managers and renters.
· Conduct one-on-one outreach to owners/property managers of older multifamily
buildings.
· Host workshops for multifamily building tenants highlighting energy conservation.
Outreach Targets
Outreach efforts will target both facility managers and company leadership involved in
making investment decisions. Emphasis in outreach will be energy assessments as a
key step in identifying and prioritizing cost effective energy efficiency improvements.
Utilities offer a variety of individualized program options that meet the unique needs of
different types of end users, and rebates can often be customized based on what
makes the most sense for individual customers. Wherever possible, efforts to reduce
energy use will be highlighted through case studies, newsletter articles, and blog posts
to demonstrate leadership and encourage others to take action.
Measuring Success
Success in this focus area will be measured using the following metrics:
· Participation in utility conservation programs
· Energy savings resulting from program participation
· Number of businesses engaged through outreach efforts
· Partnerships built with organizations and entities serving the business community
Primary Partners
The Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force will play an important role
in coordinating efforts to engage large energy users, but will need the support of the
City and other partners to conduct business outreach and engagement. Utility account
managers will be key partners in helping to reach the largest energy users in the
community. Other partners will be critical to success in this area, including:
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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· Dakota County Chamber of Commerce
· Rosemount Business Council
· Rosemount Community Development Department
· Rosemount School District (ISD 196)
· Dakota County Technical College
Impact
Assuming a 1 percent per year growth in this sector, achieving the large energy user
participation goal will reduce energy use by 10 percent below the assumed growth rate
by 2030 (Figure 28). If targets are achieved, the large energy users sector will save 1
million kWh and 21,600 therms in the first year of implementation, and will save
Rosemount businesses an estimated $360,000 in energy costs over the next three
years. Specific payback periods for individual projects will vary, based on level of
expenditure and a variety of other factors that are taken into consideration.
Figure 28: Energy impact of achieving large energy users goal
-
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
201620182020202220242026202820302032203420362038204020422044204620482050MMBtu(thousands)Energy use (1%
growth)
Energy Use After
Savings
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Energy Spotlight: Proto Labs
As the facility manager for Proto Labs: Manufacturing Accelerated, James Dreher works
to make sure that the company’s manufacturing facilities operate efficiently and cost-
effectively. At the company’s 180,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Rosemount,
where monthly electricity operating costs exceed $70,000, Dreher turned to energy
efficiency to cut costs.
In June 2017, Proto Labs began working with Xcel Energy’s Process Efficiency
program, which offers an initial free high-level audit to identify significant technical
projects that can generate substantial energy savings and rebates, as well as technical
support and an energy plan to implement projects. The Process Efficiency audit
identified a list of nearly a dozen energy efficiency recommendations. Once
implemented, the identified actions are projected to save the facility over $200,000
annually in electricity costs.
Less than a year after beginning the audit process, Proto Labs has already
implemented a number of the most cost-effective recommendations. Projects that Proto
Labs has already implemented include converting lights to LED, completing a
compressed air study to identify leaks in their system, and a behavior change strategy
of turning off equipment when not in use. The LED lighting project is expected to pay for
itself in about two years, and the other projects were implemented at no cost to the
company, meaning the manufacturing facility will begin to see savings immediately.
Dreher’s advice for other Rosemount businesses is, “when making decisions about
projects and equipment consider your bottom line and consider the environment, and
the projects will pay off.”
Proto Labs Rosemount Injection Molding Facility
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Focus Area 4: Small and Medium-Size Businesses
While focused efforts targeting the largest energy users has the potential to achieve
substantial energy savings, there is great benefit to all businesses in the community
reducing their energy use. Small- and medium-size businesses represent the remaining
80 percent of commercial energy users — approximately 800 commercial premises. As
a group, small- and medium-size businesses consume approximately 10 percent of total
commercial energy use.
A closer look at the types of businesses in the small- and medium-size business
category shows a wide variety, each with their own set of energy-related opportunities.
The greatest numbers of businesses are in professional, scientific, and technical
services, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (Figure 29). These types of
businesses often lease their space, and must therefore work with building owners to
make many kinds of efficiency improvements. However, even businesses who do not
own their building can make improvements to lighting and equipment they own, which
can result in substantial energy and cost savings.
Figure 29:Types of businesses in Rosemount, 201228
28 U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 Economic Census, 2012 Economic Census of Island Areas, and 2012 Non-
employer Statistics.
55
36 34 34 29 23 21 20 19 16 12 9 8 4 2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Number of Establishments
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Small- and Medium-size Business Goals and Strategies
Rosemount set the following goals for small and medium-size businesses:
· Reduce small/medium business electricity use 2 percent per year
· 25 small/medium businesses participate in natural gas programs.
The strategies outlined to achieve these goals will require an active partnership
between energy utilities, REST, and Dakota County Technical College. Effective
outreach resulting in energy efficiency action will help businesses save money and
remain competitive, and help the City build lasting relationships with its business
community.
Focus Area: Small- and Medium-size Business
Strategy 1: Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to
Rosemount small- and medium-size businesses through a targeted outreach
campaign
Actions:
· Develop simplified information resources targeting small- and medium-size
businesses that highlight energy efficiency and renewable energy program
options.
· Send a direct mailing out to all Rosemount businesses highlighting programs
such as One-Stop Efficiency Shop and Brighter Ideas, with emphasis on
available utility assistance in accessing rebates and completing paperwork.
· Host a business lunch to educate about energy efficiency benefits, programs and
opportunities.
· Offer brief lunch-and-learn presentations on-site at businesses to motivate
participation in energy efficiency and renewable subscription programs.
· Create a ‘Green Award’ to recognize businesses that have taken action.
Strategy 2: Conduct door-to-door outreach to reach business owners and
managers.
Actions:
· Work with utilities and other partners to conduct a business blitz to reach small
businesses.
· Conduct follow-up with businesses that were contacted to encourage following
through on recommended actions.
· Integrate Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) students into business
outreach and project implementation.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Focus Area: Small- and Medium-size Business
Strategy 3: Engage Trade Ally partners in promoting energy efficiency to
Rosemount businesses
Actions:
· Create a simplified resource where Trade Allies and businesses planning
equipment replacements can access information and forms for available rebates
through all four utilities.
· Host a lunch-and-learn for local contractors serving Rosemount businesses to
bring them up to speed on utility programs and rebates, and how best to
communicate the economics of energy efficiency and serve business customers.
Strategy 4: Host a local business energy expo to promote energy efficiency.
Actions:
· Engage Trade Ally partners to set up booths at event.
· Invite businesses who have taken energy conservation actions to present during
peer sharing sessions.
· Offer opportunities for businesses to speak one-on-one with utility
representatives about available programs and rebates.
· Include lunch or breakfast with educational presentation about efficiency
programs and financing options.
Outreach Targets
Outreach to small- and medium-size businesses is most successful when initiated in
person, followed by individualized support with follow through. Small- and medium-size
business owners are often busy, so convenience and efficient communication is critical
to achieving desired outcomes. Electrical, HVAC, and other contractors that serve
Rosemount’s business community play an important role in helping to make energy
decisions at key moments of opportunity. Engaging them is a key component of
strategies in this focus area.
Measuring Success
Success in this focus area will be measured using the following metrics:
· Participation in utility conservation programs
· Energy savings resulting from program participation
· Number of businesses engaged through outreach efforts
· Partnerships built with organizations and entities that can assist with business
outreach and follow-up
Primary Partners
The Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force will play a role in small- and
medium-size business outreach, but will require substantial support from other partners.
Utilities, Trade Allies and program implementers will be key partners in both outreach
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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and follow-up to ensure businesses are supported in taking action. Other partners that
will be critical to success in this area include:
· Dakota County Chamber of Commerce
· Rosemount Business Council
· Rosemount Community Development Department
· Dakota County Technical College
Impact
Assuming a 1 percent per year growth, achieving the small- and medium-size business
energy goals will reduce overall energy use by close to 60 percent below where this
sector would have been by 2030 (Figure 30). If targets are achieved, Rosemount small-
and medium-size businesses will save 195,000 kWh and 32,500 therms in the first year
of implementation. Additionally, achieving the small- and medium-size business goal
would save this sector an average of $36,000 per year on energy costs. As stated
previously, specific payback periods for individual projects will vary, based on level of
expenditure and a variety of other factors that are taken into consideration.
Figure 30: Projected small- and medium-size business energy savings
-
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
MMBtu(thousands)Energy use (1%
growth)
Energy Use After
Savings
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Energy Spotlight: Cemstone Products Company
Cemstone Products Company has long demonstrated its commitment to both cutting
operation costs and to reducing the environment impact of manufacturing the “ready-
mix” concrete that Cemstone is known for. At the newly completed Cemstone UMore
facility, this has meant constructing the building using high efficiency LED lighting and
heating and cooling systems.
Pat Bergin, Cemstone Products’ environmental manager, emphasized that, “At
Cemstone, we are for anything that is helping the Earth and our pocket book.” By
incorporating efficient technology into the new construction, Cemstone was definitely
able to do both. The high-efficiency heating and cooling systems are expected to save
the company money at its Rosemount facility. Installing high-efficiency lighting added a
little over $5,000 to project costs, but is expected to save the facility over $11,865
annually in demand and electric costs over other lighting technology. These savings
mean that the project had a payback of less than half a year.
Not only have these efficient lights been a boon for Cemstone Products’ pocketbook,
but they have also been well received among the staff as well. According to Bergin,
“Ultimately, it boils down to LED lights being a better product that requires less
maintenance and provides better light.”
Cemstone’s UMore Facility
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Impact of Energy Action Plan
Overall, achieving the goals and targets laid out in this plan will reduce energy use 5
percent below where the community would have been by 2020, based on population
and business growth assumptions, and 15 percent by 2030. This is about 5 percent
more savings than would have been achieved had current levels of energy saving
activity continued (Figure 31).
Figure 31: Plan impact on energy use as compared to historic energy savings
Actions in all four focus areas play an important role in helping Rosemount reach its
energy goals. Residential action will make the greatest contribution towards energy
savings (Figure 32), followed by large energy users. While municipal energy savings
represents a small portion of the total to be achieved, action taken by the City plays a
key role in demonstrating leadership and commitment to the rest of the community.
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
MMBtu (thousands)BAU Growth
Historic Participation
Energy Action Plan
Impact
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Figure 32: Combined energy saving impact of focus areas
The plan also makes an important impact on reducing Rosemount’s energy-related
greenhouse gas emissions. If all targets are achieved, Rosemount will reduce its carbon
footprint 15 percent by 2030, as compared to its Business-As-Usual growth scenario
(Figure 33). Combined with utility efforts to expand carbon-free electricity generation,
Rosemount will be on track to cut carbon emissions by more than 50 percent by 2050.
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
MMBtu (thousands)
Small and
Medium
Business
Savings
Large Energy
User Savings
Municipal
Energy
Savings
Residential
Energy
Savings
Remaining
Energy Use
BAU Growth
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Figure 33: Combined impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Plan Implementation
The goals and strategies outlined in this plan include both short- and longer-term
priorities for action. A detailed action plan that outlines tasks, roles, and timeline is
included in Appendix 4.
Human capital is the greatest resource required to achieve the goals laid out in this
plan. Implementing the strategies for each focus area will require a main point of contact
and core team to coordinate resources and keep initiatives moving forward. Partners in
Energy will provide support during the first 18 months of implementation in four main
areas: Project management, technical expertise, data tracking, and marketing and
communications. All four utilities serving Rosemount will leverage and direct existing
resources toward helping the community reach its goals. Additional volunteers from the
community will be needed to support both residential and business outreach and
engagement efforts.
Short-term Priority Actions
To ensure resources are being used effectively to drive measurable results in the first
year of implementation, several priority actions were identified as key starting points.
These include:
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
MtCO2eGrid
Decarbonization
Renewable
Energy
Large Energy User
Savings
Municipal Energy
Savings
Residential Energy
Savings
Emissions from
Remaining Energy
Use
BAU Growth (No
Change in EF)
BAU Growth (Grid
Decarbonization)
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Residential Energy
· Surveying residents about energy knowledge and communication channels.
· Creating a centralized, quick-reference guide for residents.
· Designing an outreach campaign to educate residents about energy efficiency
and renewable energy opportunities.
· Creating simplified materials summarizing low-income utility programs available.
Municipal Energy
· Gaining buy-in from City leadership and elected officials on the benefits of
efficiency and renewables so they can become champions.
· Updating City building benchmarking data.
Large Energy Users
· Developing targeted information materials that include case studies.
· Engaging Community Development department staff in business outreach.
Small- and Medium-Size Businesses
· Developing simplified information resources targeting small- and medium-size
businesses.
· Sending a direct mail out to all Rosemount businesses highlighting available
utility assistance in accessing rebates and completing paperwork.
· Creating a simplified resource where Trade Allies and business planning
equipment replacements can access information and forms for available rebates.
Roles and Responsibilities
Implementing the goals, strategies, and actions laid out in this plan will require adequate
resources invested by the City, as well as leadership and collaboration from a team of
partners, including REST members and City staff, with support from Partners in Energy
and the utilities that serve the community. To ensure plan success, the Energy Action
Team assigned the following roles and responsibilities for the first 18 months of
implementation.
Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force (REST)
· Engage City leadership and elected officials in supporting energy conservation.
· Help gather survey responses.
· Design and implement outreach campaigns targeting residents and businesses.
· Build partnerships with local organizations and civic groups, including places of
worship and school groups, to engage residents and businesses in energy
efficiency.
· Build partnerships with the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce, Rosemount
Business Council, and the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) to
promote energy efficiency to the business community.
· Create and implement an award program to recognize residents and businesses
who take energy actions.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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· Support workshops aimed at realtors, businesses and community members.
· Lead efforts to engage low-income residents, including door-to-door outreach.
· Co-host energy expo targeting local businesses.
· Conduct outreach to multifamily building owners and tenants to promote energy
efficiency.
City of Rosemount
· Invest staff time in supporting plan implementation.
· Dedicate one or more pages on the City website for providing information and
resources to help residents and businesses access utility programs and rebates.
· Lead by example through investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy
in City facilities.
· Engage City staff from all departments in supporting energy conservation.
· Survey residents about energy knowledge and communication channels to help
inform campaign design.
· Provide information about residential energy efficiency programs and rebates at
City permit desk, targeting home renovations.
· Integrate energy and sustainability into economic development efforts that help
bring new businesses and residents into the community.
Mayor and City Council
· Become advocates for achieving energy action plan goals.
· Promote engagement of residents in energy action.
· Support efforts to reduce energy use in City facilities.
· Identify resources to ensure long-term support of energy use reductions and
sustainability in Rosemount.
Dakota County Technical College
· Engage students in conducting door-to-door outreach to local businesses.
· Host lunch-and-learn workshops for businesses about energy efficiency
programs and opportunities.
· Co-host energy expo targeting local businesses.
Partners in Energy
· Develop simplified information resources for residents, businesses, and Trade
Allies highlighting available utility energy programs and rebates.
· Assist in designing outreach campaigns and marketing materials.
· Provide technical tools to assist businesses with energy decisions.
· Provide biannual reports tracking progress toward goals.
· Provide overall project management support and coordination during the first 18
months of plan implementation.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Utilities (Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, Dakota Electric, CenterPoint
Energy
· Assist in developing simplified information resources and marketing materials.
· Engage Account Managers, the Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center, and
Trade Ally partners in promoting energy efficiency to local businesses.
· Utilize existing communication channels to reach out to Rosemount business
customers.
· Co-host an energy expo targeting Rosemount businesses.
· Provide biannual program participation and energy savings data to help track
progress toward goals.
Implementation Launch
Immediately following approval and adoption of this plan by City Council, the core team
will meet to lay out a work plan and timeline for priority actions. A second,
implementation Memorandum of Understanding will be signed which outlines
commitments by both the City and Xcel Energy to complete identified actions during the
identified time period. Overall coordination of plan implementation over the next 18
months will be the responsibility of a core team composed of REST members and City
staff meeting regularly with Partners in Energy community facilitators.
How Will We Stay On Course
As part of implementation support, Partners in Energy will provide biannual progress
reports that include metrics of success and overall progress toward goals. These
reports will be made available to the public through the City of Rosemount website.
Results of these reports will be analyzed to assess whether a change in course is
needed. An in-person meeting will take place at the mid-point of implementation to
evaluate overall progress in each of the focus areas and set priorities for the remaining
time period. The Energy Action Team will reconvene around 15 months into
implementation to evaluate whether Rosemount is on track to meet its goals, and
whether goals should be revised to be more ambitious or expanded to include additional
priorities.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Appendix 2: Community Background
Rosemount is a fast-growing outer-ring suburb of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul
metropolitan area. According to Metropolitan Council projections, Rosemount’s
population will grow by 75 percent by 2040, and the number of jobs in the community
will nearly double within that time frame.
Geography
The City of Rosemount is located in Dakota County in southeast Minnesota. The
northeast corner of the community borders Wisconsin along the Mississippi River.
Figure 34 below shows Rosemount’s location within the state and county.
Figure 34: Rosemount is located in Dakota County in southeast Minnesota. Rosemount is shown
in red on the left, and Dakota County is shown in red in the state map of Minnesota on the right
Image by Arkyan | CC BY
Approximately half of the land in Rosemount is zoned agricultural, with population
concentrated in the western third of the city. Rosemount is also home to Flint Hills
Resources Pine Bend Refinery, the largest oil refinery in the state. The refinery and
buffer land surrounding it occupy most of the northeast corner of the city.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Population, and Demographics
In 2016, Rosemount was home to 23,099 residents making up 8,073 households.29
Rosemount’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan projected the city’s population to nearly double
between 2010 and 2040. The city’s median income in 2016 was $90,448, with 4.9
percent of residents living in poverty, as compared to 11.3 percent statewide.30 Almost
43 percent of Rosemount families have children under the age of 18.31 The majority of
the population, 86 percent, is white, with the remaining population spread relatively
evenly between African Americans (5 percent), Asians (5 percent) and those of
Hispanic origin (4 percent). Just over 11 percent of the population speak a language
other than English at home, including Spanish, other Indo-European languages, and
Asian and Pacific Island languages.32
Housing
Most residents of Rosemount – 87 percent –
own their homes, while 12 percent rent. While
there are a number of older homes in
Rosemount, the vast majority of current
housing stock was built after 1980. An
average of 95 new homes were built in the
community each year between 2012 and
2016, and the rate of new home construction
will likely remain steady or increase in coming
years.33
Over 68 percent of Rosemount’s housing
units are single family detached. However,
over 21 percent of housing units are single family attached (townhomes or similar), and
7.6 percent of units are in multifamily housing complexes. There is one manufactured
home development within the City of Rosemount, located adjacent to downtown.
Manufactured homes make up about 2 percent of the City’s housing units.
Altogether, 88 percent of households in Rosemount heat their homes with utility gas
provided by one of the three natural gas utilities serving the Rosemount area.34 Most of
the remaining homes in Rosemount use electric heat.
29 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2012-2016
30 Ibid.
31 Ibid.
32 Ibid.
33 City of Rosemount permit data, 2017
34 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2011-2015
Older homes near downtown Rosemount.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Education
Rosemount is served by Independent School District 196, and is home to 2 elementary
schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.35 The district serves approximately 28,000
students, only a portion of which live in Rosemount.36 Intermediate School District 917
also serves Rosemount, providing special education and other services to students in
the community. One ISD 917 school, Alliance Education Center, is located in
Rosemount. Rosemount’s high school graduation rate was 94 percent in 2017.37 Over
37 percent of Rosemount residents have some college, and 18 percent have a college
degree.38
Business and Economy
Rosemount is home to a variety of employers and businesses. In total, there are about
1,800 businesses located in Rosemount.39 Schools, including ISD 196, and the area’s
post-secondary institution, Dakota County Technical College, employ a large number of
people. Rosemount also employs a number of workers in the industrial and
manufacturing sectors. Rosemount’s top employers as of 2016 are identified in Figure
35 below. Unemployment in the city is slightly lower than the state average, at 4.1
percent.40
35 District 196 (2018). Retrieved from http://www.district196.org/schools/
36 District 196 (2018). Retrieved from http://www.district196.org/about/
37 U.S. News and World Report (2018). Rosemount Senior High. Retrieved from
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/minnesota/districts/rosemount-apple-valley-
eagan/rosemount-senior-high-11052
38 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2012-2016
39 US Census Bureau (December 15, 2015). 2012 Survey of Business Owners. Retrieved from
https://factfinder.census.gov
40 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2011-2015
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Figure 35: Major employers in Rosemount (2016).41
Employer Products/Services Employee
Count
Rosemount School District #196 Elementary & Secondary Schools 4,000
Flint Hills Resources (Pine Bend
Refinery)/ Koch Industries
Petroleum & Coal Products
Manufacturing 1,300
Wayne Transports General Freight Trucking 450
Dakota County Technical College Technical & Trade Schools 270
Intermediate School District 917 Elementary & Secondary Schools 190
Cub Foods Supermarket Grocery 130
Spectro Alloys Corp Alumina & Aluminum Production &
Processing 121
El Dorado Packaging Converted Paper Product
Manufacturing 90
Proto Labs Injection Molding Machinery Plastics
Manufacturing 71
Astro Plastics Plastics Product Manufacturing 55
Endres Processing LLC Other Animal Food Manufacturing 50
MRCI Rehabilitation Vocational Services 42
Local Outreach and Communication Channels
Engaging the community is critical to reaching energy action plan goals. Below are
some of the ways that residents and businesses currently receive information (Figure
36). These communication channels will be helpful during implementation efforts.
41 City of Rosemount (2018). Community Profile. Retrieved from
https://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/406/Community-Profile
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Figure 36: Local outreach channels
Local Outreach Channels
Figure 37: The City of Rosemount
publishes a triannual newsletter, the
Rosemount City News.
Digital and Print Communications
· Social media
o Facebook – City page has 2,645
followers
o Twitter – City feed has 718
followers
o Nextdoor – Over 4,000 followers
in Rosemount, across 19
neighborhoods
· Utility emails
· City emails to resident and business
subscribers
· Regional Chamber of Commerce
weekly newsletter
· Local community TV channel
· School district newsletters
· Dakota County Tribune
· Rosemount Town Pages
· Rosemount City News
Events
· National Night Out
· Home and Business Expo
· Leprechaun Days
Community Spaces for Collateral
Distribution
· School groups/clubs
· Civic group presentations – Rotary
Club, Chamber of Commerce, Business
Council
· Electronic billboards outside of City Hall
and the Steeple Center
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Appendix 3: Utility Data
Premises Served
Figure 38: Premises served by Rosemount utilities (2016)
Premises Xcel Energy MERC
Dakota
Electric
CenterPoint
Energy
Residential Electric Only 5,190 n/a 3,081 n/a
Residential Gas Only 400 7,473 n/a 15
Residential Electric + Gas 382 n/a n/a n/a
Commercial Electric Only 70442 n/a 155 n/a
Commercial Gas Only n/a 284 n/a 1
Commercial Electric + Gas n/a n/a n/a n/a
Summary of Electric Use by Utility
Figure 39: Residential Electric Use by Utility (kWh)
Utility 2014 2015 2016
Xcel Energy 47,009,219 46,712,866 48,794,298
Dakota Electric 36,784,351 35,374,398 35,342,654
Total 83,793,570 82,087,264 84,136,952
Figure 40: Commercial & Industrial Electric Use by Utility (kWh)
Utility 2014 2015 2016
Xcel Energy 99,199,876 101,912,158 112,728,453
Dakota Electric Association 3,933,920 4,054,150 2,190,458
Total 103,133,796 105,966,308 114,918,911
Figure 41: Municipal Electric Use by Utility (kWh)
Utility 2014 2015 2016
Xcel Energy 4,234,010 4,420,570 4,528,274
Dakota Electric Association n/a n/a 298,700
Total 4,234,010 4,420,570 4,826,974
42 Includes premises with zero kWh use in 2016
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Summary of Gas Use by Utility43
Figure 42: Residential Gas Use by Utility (therms)
Utility 2014 2015 2016
Xcel Energy 755,139 633,925 658,741
MERC 6,034,391 6,034,391 6,034,391
CenterPoint Energy 19,136 15,178 14,406
Total 6,808,666 6,683,494 6,707,538
Figure 43: Commercial & Industrial Gas Use by Utility (therms)
Utility 2014 2015 2016
Xcel Energy - - -
MERC n/a n/a 3,459,526
CenterPoint Energy - - -
Total n/a n/a 3,459,526
Figure 44: Municipal Gas Use by Utility (therms)
Utility 2014 2015 2016
Xcel Energy - - -
MERC n/a n/a 190,814
CenterPoint Energy - - -
Total n/a n/a 190,814
43 If a utility does not provide gas service to the noted sector, it is marked with “-“. If data for a year are not
available, that year is marked with “n/a”.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Summary of Program Participation Data by Utility
Xcel Energy Program Participation and Savings
Figure 45: Participation counts for Xcel Energy residential customers in Rosemount, 2014-2016.
See Figure 46 for corresponding residential electric and gas savings.
2014 2015 2016
Residential Program Participation Participation Participation
Efficient New Home Construction 97 73 95
Home Energy Audit 7 4 3
Home Energy Savings Program - - 4
Home Energy Squad 1 1 6
Insulation Rebate 1 - -
Low-Income Home Energy Squad 1 1 -
Residential Cooling 46 62 82
Residential Heating 50 54 55
Refrigerator Recycling 26 33 18
Residential Saver's Switch 156 26 460
Smart Thermostat - 1 58
Water Heater Rebate 10 3 5
All Residential Programs 395 258 786
Figure 46: Electric (kWh), and gas (therm) savings for Xcel Energy residential customers in
Rosemount, 2014-2016. See Figure 45 for corresponding residential participation counts.
2014 2015 2016
Residential Program
Savings
(kWh)
Savings
(therms)
Savings
(kWh)
Savings
(therms)
Savings
(kWh)
Savings
(therms)
Efficient New Home
Construction 95,048 6,716 62,474 9,346 14,011 10,608
Home Energy Audit - - - - - -
Home Energy Savings
Program - - - - 2,585 -
Home Energy Squad 3,527 97 74 57 13,791 572
Insulation Rebate 12,017 - - - - -
Low-Income Home
Energy Squad 1,006 176 600 84 - -
Residential Cooling 28,194 - 33,816 - 46,432 -
Residential Heating 21,114 3,255 27,945 1,865 29,556 2,558
Refrigerator Recycling 22,835 - 33,346 - 17,751 -
Residential Saver's
Switch 1,256 - 224 - 3,688 -
Smart Thermostat - - - - - -
Water Heater Rebate - 211 - 68 - 150
All Residential
Programs 184997 10455 158479 11420 127814 13888
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Figure 47: Participation counts and electric (kWh) savings for Xcel Energy commercial customers
in Rosemount, 2014-2016.
2014 2015 2016
Commercial Program
Partici-
pation
Savings
(kWh)
Partici-
pation
Savings
(kWh)
Partici-
pation
Savings
(kWh)
Cooling 3 50,464 1 2,340 3 1,282
Custom Efficiency - - - - 1 1,641,247
Efficiency Controls - - - - 1 6,525
Electric Rate Savings 4 -13,346 - - 5 -20,922
Energy Design
Assistance - - - - 1 457,478
Energy Efficient
Buildings 1 130,143 - - - -
Fluid System
Optimization 2 503,536 1 11,042 3 354,447
Lighting Efficiency 3 8,621 11 395,770 9 898,715
Motor Efficiency - - - - 4 709,919
Recommissioning - - - - 1 -
Saver's Switch for
Business 2 85 6 70 11 156
Small Business Lighting 5 293,427 5 130,833 7 184,508
All Commercial
Programs 20 972,930 24 540,055 46 4,233,355
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Dakota Electric Program Participation and Savings
Figure 48: Participation counts and electric (kWh) savings for Dakota Electric residential
customers in Rosemount, 2015-2016.
2015 Savings 2016 Savings
Residential Program Participation (kWh) Participation (kWh)
Freezer Recycling 1 1,196 3 3,588
ECM Motor Rebate - - 43 3,1476
Fluorescent Light Rebate 3 81 5 135
LED Light Rebate 125 5,625 115 5,175
Refrigerator Rebate 28 29,316 32 3,3504
Working Appliance Rebate 5 5,235 10 10,470
All Residential Programs 162 41,453 208 84,348
Figure 49: Participation counts and electric (kWh) savings for Dakota Electric commercial and
industrial customers in Rosemount, 2015-2016.
2015 Savings 2016 Savings
Commercial Program Participation (kWh) Participation (kWh)
All Commercial
Programs 7 56,546 24 127,783
CenterPoint Energy Program Participation and Savings
Figure 50: Participation and gas (therm) savings for CenterPoint Energy customers in Rosemount,
2015-2016.44
2015 Savings 2016 Savings
Residential Program Participation (therms) Participation (therms)
Low-Flow Showerhead &
Aerator and Low-Income
Weatherization45
9 450 5 220
Home Energy Reports∆ 8 107 8 120
All Residential Programs 17 56 13 34
44 Conservation program participation data for the commercial/Industrial sector are not provided for
CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint does not release CIP participation information unless it can aggregate
data from three or more customers. CenterPoint Energy does not release CIP participation data unless it
can aggregate data from three or more customers.
45 To preserve customer privacy, statistics from the Heating System Rebates and Low-Flow Showerhead
& Aerator programs are aggregated. CenterPoint does not release CIP participation information unless it
can aggregate data from three or more customers.
∆ Indicates that a program was not included in aggregated participation and savings summaries and
projections.
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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MERC Program Participation and Savings
Figure 51: Participation and gas (therm) savings for MERC residential customers in Rosemount,
2014-2016.
2014 2015 2016
Residential Program
Partici-
pation
Savings
(therms)
Partici-
pation
Savings
(therms)
Partici-
pation
Savings
(therms)
4U2 - - 5 1,104 4 432
Low Income
Weatherization 2 548 10 1,420 7 766
Online Audits (Aggregate) 77 - 76 - 59 -
Online Audits
(Lead Only) ∆ 6 - 5 - 4 -
Residential Energy Audit 15 842 4 256 10 46.0
Existing Rebates 313 31,800 380 44,174 357 38,684
New Homes 6 375 1 9 6 260
Water Kits 114 8,449 147 10,964 104 8,005
Home Energy Excellence 86 53,486 63 38,404 83 44,465
All Residential Programs 619 95,500 691 96,331 634 92,658
Figure 52: Participation and gas (therm) savings for MERC commercial and industrial customers
in Rosemount, 2014-2016.
2014 2015 2016
Commercial Program
Partici-
pation
Savings
(therm)
Partici-
pation
Savings
(therm)
Partici-
pation
Savings
(therm)
BOC 1 520 - - 1 1,098
CI Audits - - - - - -
CI Prescriptive Rebates 4 1,380 15 59,052 29 2,127
Turnkey - - - - - -
Multifamily - - 162 1,887 50 486
Small Business 4 90 - - 6 1,095
All Commercial
Programs 9 1,990 177 60,939 86 4,806
Renewable Energy Participation
Figure 53: Xcel Energy’s Windsource® participation and usage, 2014-2016.
Sector 2014
Participation
Usage
(kWh)
2015
Participation
Usage
(kWh)
2016
Participation
Usage
(kWh)
Residential 145 294,460 179 351,661 191 398,625
Commercial 2 12,054 2 11,822 2 11,608
Total 147 306,514 181 363,483 193 410,233
ROSEMOUNT ENERGY ACTION PLAN
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Figure 54: Dakota Electric Wellspring Renewable Energy® participation and usage, 2017
Sector 2017
Participation Usage (kWh)
Residential 44 n/a
Commercial 2 n/a
TOTAL 46 245,000
Actions
Q3
2018
Q4
2018
Q1
2019
Q2
2019
Q3
2019
Q4
2019 Responsible Support Other Resources Required
Create a centralized, quick-reference
guide for residents interested in
saving energy.
City website
coordinator (Alan
Cox)
Partners in Energy
REST
Utilities
Page(s) on City website
Survey residents about energy
knowledge and communication
channels to help inform campaign
design.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
City
Partners in Energy Survey mechanism
Design and implement an outreach
campaign to educate residents about
energy efficiency and renewable
energy opportunities.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy
Flyers and other marketing
materials
Access to communication
channels
Conduct outreach through local civic
groups, including places of worship
and school groups, to engage
residents in energy efficiency.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
One Rosemount
Interfaith Power and
Light
School District
Flyers and other marketing
materials
Presentation slides
Create an award program to
recognize residents who have taken
energy action.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Prizes/lawn signs or
something similar
Host CEU-eligible training for
realtors in the area to help them
interpret energy audit results and
convey the value of energy efficiency
to prospective homebuyers.
Home Energy
Squad
Partners in Energy
REST
Dakota County
Chamber of
Commerce
Mayor
Information materials
targeting realtors
Provide information about residential
energy efficiency programs and
rebates at City permit desk, targeting
home renovations.
City - Permit office Partners in Energy
Information materials
targeting home renovation
Space in permit office to
display materials
Develop informational materials to
maximize energy efficiency at key
moments of opportunity, such as
when a furnace or water heater
needs replaced.
Partners in Energy
City - Permit office
City website
coordinator
Information materials
Create simplified materials
summarizing low-income utility
programs available. Ensure
informational materials are available
in languages other than English.
Partners in Energy Utilities Translation services
Partner with local organizations
serving low-income residents and
those living on a fixed income to
promote income qualified programs.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy
Community Action
Partnership
Rosemount Family
Resource Center
Conduct door-to-door outreach in
areas where low-income residents
are concentrated.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Low-income
program providers
Talking points and materials
for outreach
Residential Energy
Appendix 4: Work Plan and Timeline
Actions
Q3
2018
Q4
2018
Q1
2019
Q2
2019
Q3
2019
Q4
2019 Responsible Support Other Resources Required
Enhance perception of Rosemount
as a sustainable city by promoting
prior and current actions.
Communications
department - Alan
Cox
Partners in Energy
Newsletter articles, Facebook
posts, press releases,
presentation slides, City
website
Educate City Council on actions
taken and benefits of efficiency and
renewables so they can become
champions.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
City staff
Partners in Energy Case studies, success stories
Develop technical specifications for
renewable energy projects on City
buildings.
City - Public Works Consultant/
developers
Look at what other
communities have developed,
and/or work with a consultant
Consult with other locations of
similar size that have successfully
installed on-site solar.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
CERTs
Research and prioritize financing
options for on-site renewable energy
generation.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
CERTs
Develop a renewable energy
proposal to present to City Council.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
City staff
Partners in Energy
Develop tools/resources to clearly
define Return on Investment of
efficiency actions.
Partners in Energy City - Public Works
Replace all lights in City facilities
with LED lights and install motion
sensors wherever possible.
City - Public Works Xcel Energy
Dakota Electric
Evaluate City lighting, including
parking lights, and building lights, for
smart control opportunities.
City - Public Works Utilities
Partners in Energy
Continue to maximize energy
efficiency in scheduled projects at
the municipal ice arena, including
installing a low-e ceiling and efficient
refrigeration system.
Parks and
Recreation
Department
Xcel Energy
Update City buildings operations
manual, incorporating all
opportunities to improve efficiency.
City - Public Works Partners in Energy
Expert insight into how to best
integrate efficiency into
building operations
Keep building benchmarking data up
to date.City - Public Works Xcel Energy
Train facilities staff on efficient
building operations.City - Public Works Partners in Energy
Implement an employee engagement
campaign to engage all City staff in
energy efficient behaviors.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy Case studies, success stories
Municipal Energy
Actions
Q3
2018
Q4
2018
Q1
2019
Q2
2019
Q3
2019
Q4
2019 Responsible Support Other Resources Required
Promote expertise and support
offered by utilties through targeted
information materials.
Partners in Energy Utilities
Engage with local Chamber of
Commerce to co-host energy
workshops/information sessions.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy
Chamber of
Commerce
DCTC
Information pieces listing
available resources
Event/meeting space
Funds for meeting
refreshments
Conduct one-on-one outreach to
discuss efficiency opportunities and
connect businesses to available
resources.
To Be Determined Partners in Energy Business outreach kit
List of businesses to target
Engage City leadership and elected
officials in business outreach
through meetings with businesses in
the community.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy Talking points
Business outreach kit
Promote success stories of large
energy users saving money by taking
action.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy Communication channels to
publish stories
Support staff in bringing energy
saving opportunities with Return on
Investment information to decision
makers/management.
Partners in Energy Utilities ROI calculator tools
Promote MnTAP as a resource to
Rosemount large energy users;
Assist at least one business in
obtaining MnTAP assistance.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy Funding to support MNTAP
intern
Develop informational resources
targeting businesses considering
locating in Rosemount.
Partners in Energy Community
Development
Contacts at businesses
locating in Rosemount
Connect businesses locating in
Rosemount to utility key account
managers.
Community
Development Utilities Information materials
summarizing opportunties
Train City economic development
staff on energy efficiency resources
and opportunities.
Community
Development Partners in Energy Information resources and
talking points
Develop informational materials
about energy efficiency programs
and incentives aimed at both building
owners/property managers and
tenants.
Partners in Energy Utilities
Conduct one-on-one outreach to
owners/property managers of older
multifamily buildings.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy Information resources and
talking points
Host workshops for multifamily
building tenants highlighting energy
conservation.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy
Utilities, Community
Redevelopment
Authority
Workshop refreshments
Large Energy Users
Actions
Q3
2018
Q4
2018
Q1
2019
Q2
2019
Q3
2019
Q4
2019 Responsible Support Other Resources Required
Develop simplified information
resources targeting small- and
medium-size businesses that
highlight energy efficiency and
renewable energy program options.
Partners in Energy Utilities
Website location for
information
Send a direct mailing out to all
Rosemount businesses highlighting
programs such as One-Stop
Efficiency Shop and Brighter Ideas,
with emphasis on available utility
assistance in accessing rebates and
completing paperwork.
Utilities Partners in Energy
Postcard
Mailing list
Funds to cover cost of direct
mailing
Host a business lunch to educate
about energy efficiency benefits,
programs and opportunities.
Rosemount
Business Council
Utilities
Partners in Energy
DCTC
Dakota County
Chamber of
Commerce
Meeting space
Funds to buy lunch
Offer brief lunch-and-learn
presentations on-site at businesses
to motivate participation in energy
efficiency.
DCTC Utilities
Partners in Energy
Presentation outline
Funds to buy lunch
Create a 'Green Award' to recognize
businesses that have taken action
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
City Criteria for award selection
Budget for awards
Conduct door-to-door outreach to
reach business owners and
managers.
DCTC
CERTS
MERC/Dakota
Electric
Partners in Energy
Business outreach kit
Create a simplified resource where
Trade Allies and businesses
planning equipment replacements
can access information and forms for
available rebates.
Partners in Energy Utilities Information materials/website
Host a lunch-and-learn for local
contractors serving Rosemount
businesses to bring them up to
speed on utility programs and
rebates, and how best to
communicate the economics of
energy efficiency.
Utilities DCTC
Partners in Energy
Meeting space
Funds to buy lunch
List of contractors to invite
Host a local business energy expo to
promote energy efficiency.
Rosemount
Environment and
Sustainability Task
Force (REST)
Partners in Energy
Utilities
DCTC
Event location
Funds for breakfast/lunch for
attendees
Contact list of Trade Ally
partners
Small- and Medium-size Businesses
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Energy Action Plan Summary
Elena Foshay | July 17, 2018
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Partners in
Energy
2
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Rosemount’s History of
Sustainability Initiatives
Policy
•Signed US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
•Passed Alternative Energy Ordinance
•Adopted Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
•Created Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force (REST)
•Integrated sustainability into 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Action
•60% of City electricity use covered by community solar gardens
•Energy conservation ranked as top priority among residents
Recognition
•Step 2 in GreenStep Cities
•3-star community rating in STAR Communities
3
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What is Partners in Energy?
•A two-year collaboration with Xcel Energy to develop and implement your
energy plan goals
•Xcel Energy provides tools and resources to enable community-driven and
data-driven energy planning with support for implementation
•Helps develop a better understanding of the energy needs of communities;
better align services and programs with customer needs; and strengthen
relationships with the community and support the Xcel Energy philosophy
of community engagement
Planning
(6 months)
Implementation
(18 months)
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Plan Development Process
•Energy Action Plan Development
–Energy Action Team participated in five facilitated planning workshops to
review data, create a vision, set goals, and develop strategies
5
Workshop 1
October 2017
Workshop 2 December 2017
Workshop 3 January 2018
Workshop 4 February 2018
Workshop 5
March 2018
Energy Action Plan Approval
June 2018
Photo: Workshop 5 Photo: Workshop 2
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Plan Development Process
•Energy Action Plan Review
–Energy Action Team reviewed and gave
feedback on plan draft
–City staff and REST members participated in
several rounds of review
–Xcel Energy reviewed and gave input on plan
draft
•Adoption Process & Implementation
Launch
–City Council approval of plan
–Co-development of Implementation
Memorandum of Understanding
–Development of work plan
–Residential energy survey
–Residential and business campaign design
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Baseline Energy
Use
8
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Electric Utility Service Territory
9
Source: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
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Xcel Energy Natural Gas Premises
10
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12
Energy Consumption
12
Residential
41%
Commercial
and
Industrial
56%
Municipal
3%
Electric Consumption1 (2016)
203,882,837
Total
2016
Electric (kWh)
Residential
65%
Commercial
and
Industrial
33%
Municipal
2%
Natural Gas Consumption2 (2016)
10,357,878
Total
2016
Gas (therms)
1 Includes data from Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric
2 Includes data from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and CenterPoint Energy
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Average Residential Electricity Use
13
Note: Includes Xcel Energy residential electric premises only
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14 14
Average Xcel Energy Annual
Customer Energy Costs (2016)
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Customer Type Average Electricity
Cost ($/premise)
Average Gas Cost
($/premise)
Residential $1,063 $505
Commercial & Industrial $16,420 n/a
Municipal $10,296 n/a
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15 15
Residential Conservation Program
Participation
23
189
3
26
46 50
1 10
313
9
137
16
34
62 54
3
413
19
184
18 21
82
55
5
442
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
Number of Participants 2014
2015
2016
Includes data from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and Dakota Electric
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16 16
Commercial Conservation Program
Participation
16
3 1 2 8 4 1 1
16
1
19
7 2
162
3 1 4 3
16
1
35
24
1
50
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Number of Participants 2014
2015
2016
Includes data from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, and Dakota Electric
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Energy Goals
Overview
18
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Focus Areas
Residential Energy Savings
1
Municipal Energy 2
Large Energy Users 3
Small and Medium Businesses
4
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Residential Energy Savings
Goal:
•Increase residential program participation 5 percent in year 1, and 10
percent in year 2 of implementation.
Strategies:
•Create a centralized, quick-reference guide for residents interested in
saving energy.
•Design and implement an outreach campaign to educate residents about
energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
•Promote energy efficiency in residential new construction and
renovations.
•Conduct targeted outreach that brings energy savings to low- and fixed-
income households.
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Municipal Energy
Goals:
•Reduce City energy use 10 percent by 2020.
•Generate 75 percent of the city’s energy with renewable energy.
Strategies:
•Enhance perception of Rosemount as a sustainable city by promoting
prior and current efforts to reduce energy use in city buildings and invest
in renewable energy.
•Pursue on-site installation of renewable energy generation on City
buildings.
•Pursue energy efficiency opportunities in City buildings.
•Reduce energy use through efficient building operations.
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Large Energy Users
Goal:
•85 percent of the top 20 percent of energy users participate in energy
conservation over the next three years.
Strategies:
•Identify and promote the top energy actions large energy users can take.
•Offer support to facility managers in making decisions to invest in energy
efficiency.
•Leverage economic development efforts to attract new businesses by
promoting energy efficiency.
•Promote energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.
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Small and Medium-Size Businesses
Goals:
•Reduce small/medium business electricity use 2 percent per year
•25 small/medium businesses participate in natural gas programs.
Strategies:
•Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to
Rosemount small- and medium-size businesses through a targeted
outreach campaign.
•Conduct door-to-door outreach to reach business owners and managers.
•Engage Trade Ally partners in promoting energy efficiency to Rosemount
businesses
•Host a local business energy expo to promote energy efficiency.
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Impact of Plan
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Impact of Achieving Goals
•Additional 5% in energy savings above business as usual
•Over $1 million in energy savings for residents and businesses
–Participating households will save an estimated $120/year on energy bills
–City energy cost savings can be diverted to other local investments
•Rosemount will reduce its annual carbon footprint by more than 19,000
MTCO2e – equivalent to removing 4,100 passenger vehicles from the
road for a year
•New partnerships and active engagement from community members
25
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Impact of Focus Area Goals on
Energy Savings
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Implementation
Planning
28
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Implementation: What to Expect
Achieving Rosemount’s energy vision and goals is a group
effort. Partners in Energy can provide…
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Marketing and
Communications
Data Tracking/
Measurement
Program
Expertise
Project
Management
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Implementation: Roles and
Responsibilities
•Environmental and Sustainability Task Force (REST)
–Gather survey responses
–Design and implement outreach campaigns
–Build partnerships with local organizations and civic groups
–Create and implement award program
•City of Rosemount
–Invest staff time in supporting plan implementation
–Dedicate one or more pages on City website
–Lead by example through investments in City facilities
–Engage City staff from all departments in supporting energy conservation
–Provide information about efficiency programs and rebates at permit desk
–Integrate energy and sustainability into economic development efforts
•Mayor and City Council
–Become advocate for achieving energy action plan goals
–Promote engagement of residents in energy action.
–Identify resources to ensure long-term support
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Questions?
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