Climate and Energy Programming From the Franchise Fee Increase Announced for 2018

New and expanded clean energy programming for 2018 was recently announced by the City’s Division of Sustainability at the Public Health, Environment, Civil Rights, and Engagement (PECE) Committee meeting on March 26. See Link https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/2018-00343   Through a collaborative engagement process with the Clean Energy Partnership, the following programs totaling nearly $1,000,000 were selected:

Residential Programs

• Energy efficiency program outreach in Green Zones via community-based organizations
• Free Home Energy Squad (HES) visits and 0% interest home insulation & air-sealing loans for residents in a Green Zone and low-cost/no-cost options for other residents
• Feasibility and market study for an on-bill, inclusive financing program in Minneapolis
• Green Housing Cost Share program

Commercial and Industrial Programs

• Green Business Cost Share program
• Fund business district / council-led small business energy efficiency engagement through the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP).
• Workforce Development Assessment for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Sectors

To learn more about these programs being developed, please see the March 26 presentation.

The Minneapolis City Council approved two ordinance amendments on December 8th, 2017 to support programs that will help the City accelerate toward its energy and climate change goals. These amendments raise the franchise fees by half a percentage point – about 59 cents monthly for the average household – with the increase taking effect this spring. The money will help residents and businesses participate in and make the best use of the utilities’ energy conservation programs and City programs. Achieving the City’s climate and energy goals will help more residents afford to own or rent their homes, help more businesses succeed, and create significant environmental and economic benefits to the city.