CEE's blog year in review
2024 marked another year of considerable growth for CEE, and for energy efficiency in Minnesota and across the country. Thanks to new programs and incentives rolling out from the Inflation Reduction Act, we are assisting more homes and businesses in making energy efficiency upgrades, from performing energy audits to identify their unique needs to providing preferred contractor recommendations to helping them claim the rebates and tax credits that will make the switch to more energy efficient technologies more cost-effective from the start. Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator — an innovative program that accelerates deployment and reduces the cost of efficient technologies — is in full swing under CEE’s implementation, launching new resources, leveraging key market actors, and identifying benefits for Minnesotans and utilities. As we rev up for more in 2025, we’re looking back on some of the top stories on our blog in 2024.
The need for natural gas decarbonization in Minnesota
Natural gas is deeply embedded in Minnesota's economy. However, it is also a fossil fuel that contributes directly to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. To meet Minnesota's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, Minnesota must address its dependence on natural gas and tackle the challenge of decarbonizing natural gas end-uses.
The Inflation Reduction Act: What we know and what’s to come
As we wait to see the full impact of IRA incentives, homeowners have been asking many questions regarding which incentives are already available for energy efficiency projects and who qualifies. We put together a list of the most frequently asked questions our energy advisors have received about tax credits, rebates, incentive stacking, qualifications, and more.
New strategic plan builds on decades of experience and relationships
In this post, CEE’s President Chris Duffrin lays out CEE’s new strategic plan to build on past strategies while being intentionally bolder, balancing CEE’s longtime goals with always-evolving company and community needs.
Key modifications to Minnesota’s ECO Act will bring savings to more customers and utilities
Since the inception of Minnesota’s Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act in 2021, the energy landscape changed dramatically. During the 2024 MN legislative session, CEE advocated for key modifications to ECO that would promote a more practical approach to efficient fuel switching, or the replacement of a building technology like a home’s natural gas system with one that consumes a different fuel such as an electric air source heat pump.
40 years with CEE: From post-grad intern to One-Stop veteran
Mary Raasch, senior manager of the One-Stop Efficiency Shop, was an integral part of CEE's early history several years before we were even (officially) CEE. After over 40 years with CEE and its precursor the Minneapolis Energy Office, Mary closed the book on a storied and successful career in clean energy.
Graduates of the Green Construction Training Program are entering the workforce
Earlier this year, CEE’s Career Training program successfully conducted the first Green Construction Training cohort, funded through Ramsey County’s Learn and Earn Program. This cohort saw 14 graduates come through the program, with five graduates continuing to a paid four-month internship with local contractors.
CEE teams up with national partners for heat pump rooftop unit initiative
On August 15, staff from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) stopped by PRG, Inc., a Minneapolis affordable housing and homeowner education nonprofit to explore options for more efficient rooftop units. They met with CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop and Next Gen RTU team to discuss how to drive the change in commercial spaces.
The MN ASHP Collaborative publishes report on key insights for heat pump messaging
To address an awareness hurdle around heat pump technology and its efficacy, the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) Collaborative worked with Behavioral Insights Team to conduct a mixed-methods research project to identify barriers and motivations around heat pump adoption and messaging strategies for homeowners. The research findings resulted in several key messaging takeaways that contractors, utilities, manufacturers, and other market actors can use to educate and support homeowners.