Minnesota Unveils New Grant Program for Energy-Efficiency Projects

Minnesota businesses planning significant energy-efficiency or renewable-energy projects in the next two years may be eligible for some big financial help. But they must act quickly.

As part of the federal-stimulus package, states received money to spend on energy-conservation projects.  Minnesota recently unveiled plans to spend $4.1 million of its stimulus funds providing grants to commercial and industrial property owners looking to make energy upgrades before mid-2011. The grants are intended for large-scale improvement projects, and can include anything from lighting, heating and industrial equipment upgrades to purchasing renewable energy power sources. Nonprofit 501(c)3s and economic development organizations can also apply for grants to create their own grant programs. (Energy Smart put together a two-page summary with basics on the grant program and the criteria and rules . Read it here.)

The full grant proposal and application is due Feb. 12, but applicants must provide a short notice of intent by Jan. 29 that gives basic details about the project. Businesses receiving money for improvement projects will be expected to be able to match at least 50% of the project's total estimated cost. (You can read the full official request for proposal and get the necessary paperwork to apply here.)

Projects covered by the grant must be completed by June 30, 2011.

Have questions or need help? Feel free to give Energy Smart a call at (651)292-4653. We can help businesses determine if they qualify for a grant and answer questions about the program.