MN Energy Trust – Letter of Introduction
Greenenergycafe.com
Bloomington, MN
952-292-1930
March 5, 2010
Introduction Letter
New MN Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy Organization
I am writing to this group today because I believe some members may be interested in being a potential stakeholder in a new energy efficiency and renewable energy organization, which is in its beginning stages of development in the state of Minnesota.
This group is in the planning stage, and is intended to include and assist everyone in the state of Minnesota with energy efficiency and renewable energy.
You might be thinking, “But we already have a number of associations, and state agencies which take care of that. Why do we need this one?” It’s a legitimate question. The reality is that the associations, especially those already in existence in this state, individually cannot cover the full range of energy efficiency and renewable energy issues and needs of this state. Those associations have, by their charters and mission statements, limited goals and applications. Similarly, state agencies each have their own responsibilities, some of which overlap. However, they currently do not appear to have the resources, interaction, and industry integration necessary to be able to act and react on an immediate and timely basis to opportunities, given their need to wait on legislative action each and every time a change in direction or activity is required.
Currently, there are two states with existing organizations which we want to duplicate here in Minnesota. In both states, that system has proven itself able and capable to encompass, capture and respond to the many needs necessary to effectively bring mass energy savings through efficiencies and renewables to the many rapidly developing opportunities. We want Minnesota to have this ability.
The two organizations I speak of are the EnergyTrust of Oregon (http://energytrust.org), and the Focus on Energy Program in Wisconsin (http://focusonenergy.com). I ask you to please visit their websites and gain an idea of why such organizations have been so productive and valuable.
To provide you with a brief overview of one of those programs, here is a quote from the ‘About Us’ page of the EnergyTrust website. Remember, we are proposing duplicating their organization, here in Minnesota:
Dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy resources
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. Our services, cash incentives and solutions have helped customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save more than $440 million in energy costs. Our work keeps energy costs as low as possible and builds a sustainable energy future for Oregon.
As a public purpose organization, we’re committed to working for the greater good of all Oregonians. Learn more about us and what we do:
- Who we are—why Energy Trust was formed, our funding source and how we work
- Policies & reports—financial information, plans, policies and other official reports and documents
- Public meetings—upcoming dates and previous minutes for Board of Directors, Conservation Advisory Council and Renewable Energy Advisory Council meetings
- Work with us—current job postings, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), grant and proposal opportunities and introduction to our Trade Ally Network
- Contact us—find the right person to answer your question or provide assistance
- Service Territories Map—review a map of the areas we serve
The important point to be made is that both Oregon and Wisconsin are years, if not decades, ahead of Minnesota with respect to energy efficiencies and renewable energy implementation; and this means they have remarkable advantages in attracting energy efficiency and renewable energy employers and JOBS. All one has to do is look around. “After thirty years of existing effort, how successful have we been? Where are all the renewables, the public education, the trades and jobs in Minnesota?” We can do better. Duplicating success is far more efficient that starting from scratch and making mistakes.
The purpose of my writing is to identify those who are interested in being active participants and input-providers for the process of determining if we have the interest, will, and commitment from all the segments of our state community to allow us to move forward with this new organization.
In closing, please feel comfortable contacting me at richard@greenenergycafe.com with any questions you may have, as well as to indicate your wishes to participater. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Richard Carter
Phones: 952-292-1930
p.s. Our listings of potential stakeholders is currently in the count range of three thousand range. We know there are many, many more. Please feel free to circulate this letter to those in your community and local area who you believe should be involved, and ask them to contact us also. The list would include, though not be limited to: manufacturers, distributors, investors, school districts, legislators, local bankers and credit unions, municipal officials (mayors, councils, planners, inspectors, fire marshals), universities, technical colleges, utilities, cooperatives, associations, community developers, community groups, residential and commercial property owners and managers, hospitals, hotels, recreational facilities, transportation companies, and of course, the public.
