One-Stop Efficiency Shop

The One-Stop Efficiency Shop is a full-service rebate program available to small businesses in Xcel Energy's Minnesota service territory with an electric demand of 400 kWh or less.

The small business sector has historically under-utilized energy efficiency rebate programs and includes the smallest businesses that have the fewest resources and greatest barriers to overcome in order to participate.  The One-Stop Efficiency Shop lighting retrofit program is designed to save business owners energy and money through the installation of energy efficient lighting by specifically targeting barriers that prevent small businesses from investing in energy efficiency products: limited financial resources and time, limited knowledge of lighting products and lack of access to quality contractors.

On February 7th, 2000 the Minnesota Department of Commerce approved the implementation of the One-Stop Efficiency Shop lighting program as part of Xcel Energy's 2000-2001 Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP).  During the first few months of the program, CEE learned that although fundamental to the success of the program, attractive rebates and low interest financing were only one part of the equation.  In order to reach program goals, CEE reorganized the program in January 2001 to address business owners concerns about lighting technology and promoting implementation.

Although accurate audits and incentives are fundamental to the success of the program, educating the customer and marketing the program to address their specific needs is just as, if not more, important.  Auditors do not assume that rebates and energy savings will be enough to convince customers to participate.  Instead, they work closely with the customer to find out exactly what their lighting needs are and to explain how the One-Stop Efficiency Shop can meet these needs.

The One-Stop Efficiency Shop has exceeded program saving goals for the past eight years.  Since 2000 the program has saved 62,100 kW and has disbursed $25 million in rebates to 5,632 program participants.  Participating business owners will save $250 million over the life of the new lighting equipment they have installed.  The One-Stop Efficiency Shop has also preserved and created high quality jobs for local vendors and Minnesota small business owners.  Over the course of the program, the One-Stop Efficiency Shop has partnered with approximately 350 lighting suppliers and electrical contractors.  An estimated $62 million has been funneled back into the Minnesota economy through vendors who have worked with the program. 

+ Are you a business or nonprofit in Xcel Energy territory who is interested in setting up your free lighting audit?