News

CEE commends the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's decision last week to approve Xcel Energy's Capacity*Connect program, a first-of-its-kind virtual power plant that deploys medium-size batteries to enhance grid reliability, support clean energy goals, and use distribution infrastructure more efficiently. CEE's Director of Policy, Will Nissen, said, "The beauty of this pilot is that it pays for itself with MISO revenues, while we learn about all the potential distribution value." CEE looks forward to seeing the development and learnings from Capacity*Connect over the next few years.

Photo Credit: Fré Sonneveld

The Minnetonka City Council approved transferring $175,000 into the Pathways to Homeownership program to meet rising demand for down‑payment and closing‑cost assistance for first‑time homebuyers. This is one of four loan programs administered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Funding for the four CEE loan programs also comes from the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Levy, which was approved in the 2026 Budget and the 2026-2030 Economic Improvement Program (EIP).
Photo Credit: Rod M

CEE’s Angela Peterson and Maggie Pears spoke with Agate about shifting to state funding to continue strengthening energy codes and researching how new standards can be implemented in the market. CEE is also advancing the adoption of air-source heat pumps through contractor outreach, rebate coordination with utilities, and a cooperative advertising program through its Efficient Technology Accelerator.

Photo credit: Super Panel

The City of Edina’s Climate Action Fund requires many homeowners to complete an in-person Home Energy Squad ® assessment through CEE, which helps residents identify energy-saving upgrades that reduce carbon emissions and lower utility costs. This assessment is a key step for qualifying for city reimbursements on projects like insulation, heat pumps, and solar installations.

CEE Engineering Manager Russ Landry spoke with Star Tribune last week about ways to improve efficiency & cut costs in ice arenas. In a story about Ramsey County's efforts, Russ explained that arenas can reduce energy use by heating their buildings with excess heat generated by refrigerating the rinks. They also can install "low-emissivity ceilings," to reflect heat away on hot days.

Photo Credit: Chad Nathan

Since launching in May, Indiana’s IRA-funded home energy rebate program has received about 1,400 applications. Emily McPherson, CEE’s Director of Market Transformation Deployment, which implements Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator, says these programs take time to scale as contractors and homeowners become familiar with new technologies like heat pumps.

Photo Credit: Andrianto Cahyono Putro

CEE's Matthew Douglas-May, community program manager, discusses the benefits of heat pump water heaters as an energy-efficient alternative for homeowners planning ahead before replacing a failing water heater. This article from Eden Prairie Local News provides more information about the technology.

The board of directors of Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) recently welcomed new members CamerAn J. Bailey and Daniel Sheridan.

This article from Eden Prairie Local News shares information on Minnesota's fluorescent ban and how it will impact businesses. EPLN interviews CEE lighting consultant Mark Rader about how CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop can help Xcel Energy commercial customers in Minnesota navigate the ban and upgrade to LEDs. The article also showcases how the Home Energy Squad can help Minnesota residents replace fluorescents in their homes.

Federal tax credits can cut the cost of heat pumps, but the clock is ticking. President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill passed this summer is doing away with several energy incentives that encouraged homeowners to reduce their energy use and switch to cleaner energy sources. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests, including CEE's Rebecca Olson, about the tax credits and home energy efficiency.