SAINT PAUL, MN:  The Minnesota Department of Commerce has awarded $2 million in grants for two new research projects to help Minnesota utilities identify new technologies and strategies to maximize energy efficiencies and savings, which will benefit all Minnesotans. 

The grants are part of Commerce’s Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Program’s work to implement the ECO Act, a state law passed in 2021 with bipartisan legislative support. The program is funded by utility ratepayers and administered by electric and gas utilities. Previous research has found $4 in benefits for every $1 invested in energy conservation. 

“This research holds promise to identify significant energy efficiencies and savings for the next decade and beyond, which will move Minnesota along our path to a clean energy future,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “As we take actions to achieve carbon-free electricity by 2040, conservation and energy efficiency are core components of that equation.” 

About the grants 

The research studies funded by ECO have two purposes:  To focus Minnesota utilities’ efforts to more efficiently manage energy resource needs and to measure the economic impacts:  

• ICF Resources was selected to carry out a statewide study on energy saving potential (Potential Study) for natural gas and electric energy efficiency, efficient fuel switching, load management, and carbon-saving potential. ECO grant: $1,849,256 
• The results of the Potential Study will provide critical data resources to inform plans for utilities on which market sectors, geographic areas, utility service territories, end uses, measures and programs will realize maximum potential for managing energy demands.  
• Cadmus Group has been selected to conduct an ECO economic impact analysis. This study will help quantify and describe the full economic impact of ECO activities and energy and non-energy benefits ECO provides Minnesotans. ECO grant: $249,695. 

About the ECO Program at Commerce:  

ECO helps Minnesota households and businesses use electricity and natural gas more efficiently, conserving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the need for new utility infrastructure. 

The ECO 2024 report to the Legislature summarizes the impact of ECO for the years 2020 and 2021 (most recent data available). Among the findings:  

• About 14.4 trillion-Btus of energy were saved, enough energy to heat, cool and power more than 147,000 Minnesota homes for a year (or for a city about the size of St. Paul).  
• Carbon emissions (greenhouse gas pollution) were reduced by 1.46 million tons, equivalent to removing over 296,000 gas-powered cars from the road for a year. 
• Minnesota businesses and residents saved over $287 million in energy costs. 
• Minnesota has over 43,000 jobs in energy efficiency, representing the largest sector of Minnesota’s clean energy employment. 

Connect with the Minnesota Commerce Department
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Contact
Mo Schriner
Minnesota Department of Commerce
651-363-1227
mo.schriner@state.mn.us