EIC Masthead 72

Energy Innovation Corridor e-Newsletter
Minnesota's clean energy and transportation showcase  

 

August 2011
Greetings!
Welcome to the August edition of the Energy Innovation Corridor e-Newsletter. Thank you for your continued interest in how we are partnering to develop a cleaner energy and transportation future for Minnesota. Questions or comments? Send us an email.
In This Issue
EV charging available in Saint Paul
U of M develops geothermal twofer
Heating water can use a lot of energy
U of M combined heat and power facility information meeting
Windsource® powers premier gymnastics event
Electric Vehicles at the Minnesota State Fair
Save money and energy - programs and rebates
Electric Vehicle Events
Save the date: Energy Efficiency Expo

EV charging available in Saint Paul

EV park sign

 

The City of Saint Paul has installed its first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Two are available at the RiverCentre ramp and two more are located in the Smith Avenue ramp. And there are more to come soon - see where other charging stations are planned.

U of M develops geothermal twofer

 

UM Geotherm

Saar

Courtesy U of M

 

U of M Department of Earth Sciences researchers have developed an innovative approach to tapping heat beneath the Earth's surface. The method is expected to produce renewable electricity far more efficiently than conventional geothermal systems and help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) - dealing a one-two punch against climate change. Learn more about this hot topic.  

 

Heating water can use a lot of energy

 

CERTS splashThe Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) have teamed up with Niagara Conservation and utilities like CenterPoint Energy to help businesses and organizations take advantage of bulk-rate prices on efficiency upgrades to pre-rinse spray valves and faucet aerators. Through September 1, 2011, you can dramatically cut your natural gas use and energy bills with these simple, inexpensive upgrades. Pre-rinse spray valves are used to remove food before placing the dish in the dishwasher or sanitizer, and faucet aerators screw on to the end of your faucet to regulate the flow of water. Pre-rinse spray valves (typically $68) cost $28 with the bulk buy, and are brought down even further to $14 or less with rebates from local utilities. Aerators are even more steeply discounted, down to $0.50 each from an original price of $2. Typical natural gas and water savings are oftentimes $400 per year, resulting in a one-month payback. Learn more and take part.

 

U of M combined heat and power facility information meeting

 

UM CHP

 

The U of M plans to establish a combined heat and power facility at the site of a former University heating plant adjacent to the Dinkytown Bikeway Bridge. You can attend an information meeting featuring a brief presentation, Q&A and a five-minute walk to the Education Sciences Building with an overlook of the project site. Get details, directions and contact information.

 

The same information will be available at both of these meetings:

 

Wednesday, August 10 OR Thursday, August 18 

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm (walking tour begins at 6:35)

Sanford Hall Dining Room, 1122 University Avenue SE

WindsourceŽ powers premier gymnastics event - enjoy a discount 

 

Wind turbine

The 2011 Visa Gymnastics Championships at Xcel Energy Center will be powered by Xcel Energy's WindsourceŽ program. Running August 17-30, the event is the premier gymnastics competition in the United States. Enjoy a $5 discount on select seats to individual sessions by entering the code GREEN when ordering tickets

Electric Vehicles at the Minnesota State Fair

 

Eco Exp Fair

 

The Eco Experience exhibit plans to feature electric vehicles including a Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf and Zero electric motorcycle along with a charging station powered by a solar car port. Located in the Progress Center on Randall Avenue, the exhibit will be available from August 25 through September 5.  Go there

Save money and energy

 

 

 

Relax with fireplace savings 

 

Save energy and money with a natural gas fireplace with electronic ignition. Electronic ignition conserves natural gas by not having a standing pilot light/flame on in the warmer months of the year when the fireplace is rarely used. CenterPoint Energy offers a $75 rebate for the installation of a direct vent fireplace, insert or free-standing stove with electronic ignition. Get more details.

  

Add energy efficiency to your new construction plans

Xcel Energy's Business New Construction program is a FREE, comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and savings for your planned building. The program offers energy expertise to encourage energy efficiency in building design and construction practices. This program also provides design assistance supporting an integrated design process for various services depending on customer need. Xcel Energy offers unique programs designed to fit the specific needs of builders, contractors and architects. Get more details.

 

 

Thanks for your continued interest and support of the Energy Innovation Corridor - Minnesota's showcase area - making energy-efficiency, renewable energy, smart technologies and transportation a reality.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Energy Innovation Corridor Communications Team
Join Our Mailing List

 

Electric Vehicle Events

EV plug in 

Fleet Electric Vehicle Workshop

Wed., August 10, 2011

American Lung Minnesota

490 Concordia Avenue, Saint Paul.

To register or for more information, please contact Lisa at 651-223-9568.

 

First Responders Electric Vehicle Training

Tues., August 16, 2011

American Lung Minnesota

490 Concordia Avenue, Saint Paul

Cost is $50 per person. Only 20 seats are available each session.

Same training offered:  

am session: 7:30 - 11:30

pm session: 12:30 - 4:30 To register or for more information, please contact Lisa at 651-223-9568.

 

Electric Vehicles: Can They Work In Minnesota?

Wed., August 17, 2011

6:30-8:00 pm

Attend this

free seminar from American Lung in Minnesota. Seating is limited so you must register. Contact Courtney at 651.262.5084.

 

Save the date:

Xcel Energy's Energy Efficiency Expo

XE RBN 
Business and trade customers:
Save the date! 

September 15, 2011
7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Park
Stay tuned for more information.

 

Quick Links

 

Join Our Mailing List

 

About

Energy Innovation Corridor
  

 

Located within one of the most unique urban communities in the country, the Energy Innovation Corridor was formed to create a sustainable energy and transportation showcase. The first-of-its-kind, this clean energy and transportation model extends along the 11-mile Central Corridor light rail transit project route, from downtown Saint Paul to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, along Washington and University avenues, via the Minnesota State Capitol and entire University of Minnesota-Minneapolis campus.  

 

Visit our website.

 

Please forward this e-newletter to other interested parties and encourage them to join our mailing list!

 

Interested in LRT progress?
LRT

Sign up with the Metropolitan Council for updates about the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit project construction.

EIC Mast Foot url