NEW ULM — Energy conservation experts talked about programs and rebates available to businesses and residents at the New Ulm Area Chamber Hot Topics event at Turner Hall Friday.

“We talked to some businesses and they thought it would be interesting to learn about what programs there are and do you access them to save money and be more energy efficient,” said New Ulm Chamber Executive Director Sarah Warmka.

Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation Executive Director Robert Friend said the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce offers programs on waste reduction and energy efficiency.

Friend said Energy Smart can help businesses save on energy bills with free services including energy consultations and utility bill analysis for businesses served by Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and for Minnesota Chamber members. Small fees may apply for others.

“As of Oct. 1, 2023, we are funded by the USDA REAP (Rural energy for America Program), opening us up to work with businesses in communities under 35,000 people, providing free technical assistance,” said Friend.

“We come into your business, meet with your and find out what interests you in the energy efficiency world and what you want to do,” he added. “Some people say they just want a lower bill. Others want to do a specific project like increasing efficiency. We’ll do a report of options you can do.”

Friend said the program helps in REAP grant application that could cover up to 50% of project costs of up to $40,000.

“Most rural projects are solar projects for farms including grain dryers. Most grain dryers 30 to 50 years old can be replaced with a short payback. Paybacks on newer units can take much longer and may not be eligible,” said Friend.

New Ulm Public Utilities Energy Services Representative Derek Nelson said Minnesota Conservation Improvement Programs and rebates are available to help businesses, utilities and individuals save money and reduce natural gas and electricity use, decrease carbon monoxide emissions and conserve resources.

“The State of Minnesota offers programs including replacing lights and steam customer rebates and equipment upgrades,” said Nelson. “Call me if you are interested in rebates. I could create a custom rebate. There are many ways to save energy and money.”

Nelson said he is looking for a local vendor to do home energy audits. Currently, they are done by Twin Cities companies.

Turner Hall Executive Director Andrea Boettger said several years ago, she applied for a grant to replace lights in the Turner Hall auditorium.

“I remember turning on the old lights and hearing them buzz,” said Boettger. We got a grant for new lights that included matching funds. We’re saving almost $400 a month now with new energy efficient lights.”

Boettger said she recently wrote a grant application to replace six steam traps and nine steam valves.

“Our current steam values are so old, we can’t completely shut off steam, even in the summer. We pay almost $240 a month for steam without using it,” said Boettger. “I used utility bills for the last 12 years for the grant application. You don’t know what is available until you ask about it.”

For more information, visit https://www.mnchamber/com/your-opportunity/energy-smart and https://www.newulmmn.gov/206-Energy-Rebates.