2026 Rochester Energy Integration Committee Action Plan Update
Results
- In 2026, the EIC created an updated action plan with 19 strategies the committee will strive to implement through 2030.
- The outcomes of the updated action plan could significantly impact emissions reduction, energy performance, innovation, and long-term cost savings in Rochester.
- The EIC identified communications, engagement, education, and energy policy as themes to advance across all strategies to increase cohesion and drive action.
Highlights
Objectives
To create a workplan for the committee to collaboratively advance energy and climate action through 2030.
Scope
Gather stakeholder input, assess past progress, and identify upcoming opportunities to develop new focus areas and strategies.
Benefits
Identify significant greenhouse gas reduction, energy saving, and renewable energy opportunities that can be compounded through collective action.
Project Summary
The Rochester Energy Integration Committee (EIC) was formed in 2018 to advance the participating organizations’ energy and carbon goals. Participants include the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Energy Resources, Olmsted County, Rochester Public Utilities, and the University of Minnesota Rochester. In 2019, the EIC developed an Action Plan with Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to guide long-term, coordinated actions, policies, and investments. By 2025, the EIC had completed or substantially advanced all 23 strategies outlined, prompting them to update the action plan.
To continue making progress and adapt to the changing landscape, the EIC engaged CEE to develop new strategies. The 2026 Action Plan outlines 19 strategies to implement in three phases. The recommended actions address building decarbonization, renewable energy, resilience, thermal energy networks, transportation, resources, and incentives. The EIC’s continued collaboration through the 2026 EIC Action Plan Update will advance Rochester’s trajectory of reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
