2025 Impact Report
CEE seeks a healthy, carbon-neutral economy that works for everyone. Led by a team of more than 250 clean energy pros with nearly 40 years' experience in energy efficiency, we align our strategies behind technical research, innovative programs, community engagement, advocacy for supportive public policies, career training, and project financing.
In 2025, our big team made progress in multiple areas. To improve consumer choice and energy savings, CEE tested and promoted emerging technologies that are commercially viable but not yet widespread. We helped forge public policies to improve efficiency in buildings through coalitions that cross political divides and can withstand the test of time. Building on historical successes, we continued to design and implement high-impact programs to help people save energy and money in their daily lives. And we combined technical expertise with strong partnerships to help prepare our workforce for high-quality, clean energy careers.
Amid new opportunities and plenty of challenges last year, CEE engaged communities, businesses, and individuals around real-world solutions to save money, cut carbon, foster innovation, and improve equity.
Policy
We strive for high-impact, pragmatic solutions built to serve public interests.
Consulting
We work toward long-term, energy-saving solutions in buildings and communities.
Lending
We empower Minnesotans to upgrade efficiency and comfort at home and at work.
Market Transformation
We smooth the way for broader adoption of promising technologies.
Workforce Development
We train people to build or strengthen their careers in the clean energy workforce.
2025 Themes
Rooted in research, we test and tailor practical solutions for real people.
CEE's technical research into promising technologies drives companywide progress. We strategically tailor data-informed, people-centered solutions to each unique opportunity, partner, and client.
We build energy solutions that drive long-term market innovation.
With loads of in-house expertise, an experimental spirit, and a wide range of skilled strategic partners, CEE leads the charge for building electrification, load flexibility, and market transformation.
We believe our clean energy transition must include and support everyone.
CEE envisions a clean energy future that promotes prosperity for all people, especially those who've historically been left out. We design programs to deliver time-efficient, cost-efficient progress.
Our diverse team of field specialists thrives in constant collaboration.
CEE's strong team of more than 260 clean energy pros specialize in technical research, program development and delivery, supportive public policies, project financing, and market transformation.
Our Reach
7,251 Home Energy visits
To take control of your home’s energy use, start with an energy audit. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers can work with Home Energy Squad, a program CEE administers for the utilities. As part of our process, we’ll connect you to contractors, financing, and rebates, and provide documentation you can use to make improvements or market your home sale.
1,498 Energy Advisor projects completed
After you get a Home Energy Squad visit, our Energy Advisors are your go-to solution for home energy questions. Advisors are cost-free, pressure-free, and accessible across Minnesota. They’ll answer your home energy questions and connect you to financing; utility, local, state, and federal rebates and incentives; and high-quality contractors to help with improvements.
27 active research projects
A science-based approach is foundational to everything we do at CEE. We learn best at the nexus of fundamental building science and the practical realities of running utility-funded programs. We have a unique handle on emerging tech because we engage in some of the most essential building science research on emerging technology in the country.
60+ community partnerships
Our Communities team relies on local insights and data to advise on energy planning tailored to each community's unique goals. CEE also works with cities to provide resources and buy down the cost of home energy visits. And thanks to partnerships with many Minnesota cities, we offer several special loan, grant, and down payment assistance programs.
1,745 lighting and HVAC projects
Working with small businesses, we make energy efficient lighting affordable with rebates covering up to 75% of total project costs. And our HVAC consultants provide guidance on cooling and heating system improvements that won’t break the bank. Additionally, our refrigeration experts can help your company improve efficiency with affordable upgrades.
1,801 home improvement loans
Our statewide loans make it easy for homeowners in Minnesota to remodel their homes with low-interest financing. We offer statewide home energy improvement loans, solar and heat pump financing, and down payment assistance. We also partner with communities to bring residents and business owners special lending and grant programs.
151 Workforce Development graduates
Workforce shortages are a notable barrier in energy efficiency progress, and Minnesota’s energy efficiency workforce doesn’t yet reflect the full strength of our vibrant population. To help, CEE delivers utility-funded, paid training that prioritizes welcoming women and BIPOC workers into the state’s fast-growing clean energy and energy efficiency sector.
25 reports and case studies
As a mission-driven nonprofit, we proactively share what we’re learning. Through traditional media, social media, newsletters, blog posts, reports, case studies, and other resources we post online, we’re constantly sharing insights and rigorously tested data to inform our field, benefit people’s lives, and ultimately improve the world.
2025 REVENUE & EXPENSES
REVENUE: $40,559,213
EXPENSES: $37,059,008
Leadership
Staff Leadership
Jenae Batt, Vice President, Business Development & Marketing *
Shonda Biddle, Director, Program and Business Development
Deirdre Coleman, Director, Community Programs
Chris Duffrin, President *
Ryan Ellis, General Counsel
Kristen Funk, Senior Director, Commercial and Industrial Energy
Cindy Greenwood, Chief Human Resources Officer *
Stephanie Haddad, Chief Operating Officer *
Tim Hanrahan, Director, Communications
Jim Hasnik, Director, Lending Services
Emily McPherson, Director, Market Transformation Deployment
Carl Nelson, Vice President, Market Energy Solutions *
Will Nissen, Director, Policy
Rebecca Olson, Vice President, Community Energy Solutions *
Ashley Robertson, Director, Marketing
Ben Schoenbauer, Director, Research
Isaac Smith, Director, Market Transformation Technologies
Tom Spielman, Director, Information Technologies
Judy Thommes, Director, Operations
Doug Will, Chief Financial Officer *
Andrew Woodruff, Director, Training and Workforce Development
* Executive Team
Board of Directors
Amanda Novak, Chairperson
LisaBeth Barajas, Vice Chair
Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Treasurer
Non-voting Officers of the Corporation
Chris Duffrin, President
Stephanie Haddad, Corporate Secretary