HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-C-2 Energy Action Plan Update City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Council Members
From: Megan White, Human Resources Technician
Date: June 17, 2019
Item: Energy Action Plan
Council Action Requested: Council is asked to support the Energy Action Plan as presented by staff,
Xcel Energy and members of the Energy Action Team.
Background Information: The City of Hastings applied to be a part of Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy
in November of 2017, we were accepted in February of 2018 and workshops began in June of 2018. The
Energy Action Team members consisted of residents from Hastings, City Staff, and Councilmember Tina
Folch. Along with representatives from Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric, Citizens Utility Board, Hastings
Environmental Protectors, CenterPoint Energy, Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses.
The Energy Action Team and Partners in Energy held five workshops and one focus group to discuss
energy focused areas, energy concerns, and what can be done to reduce energy use in the community.
The team brainstormed goals they would like to see the community improve on & developed a plan to
reach those goals. The three focus areas the team decided on were; Resident Energy Use, Business
Energy Use, and Electric Vehicles. The Energy Action Plan outlines actions the team thought would have
the greatest impact on their respected focus areas.
Over the next 18 months, the Energy Action Plan will be put into implementation. The City’s main role
and objective in the implementation process is to share energy saving information and programs with
residents and with the partners the city has gained through this process. Information will be shared
through our website, social media, newsletters, and other outreach materials. Marketing materials are
provided by the Partners in Energy team. A portion of the plan will require the community to be engaged,
these will be called Community Calls to Action. These are events or actions the community will need to
take in order to reduce their energy costs and assist in improving the community of Hastings.
Financial Impact: Xcel Energy will provide support toward financial impacts, such as reimbursement for
printing and marketing costs.
Advisory Commission Discussion: N/A
Council Committee Discussion: N/A
Attachments:
X-C-2
An Energy Action Plan for
Hastings, Minnesota
Draft: June 10, 2019
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following organizations and individuals for participating in developing
this Energy Action Plan.
Hastings Energy Action Planning Team
City of Hastings
Bryce LeBrun, staff engineer
John Hinzman, community development director
Lee Stoffel, communications coordinator
Megan White, deputy city clerk and human resources technician
Melanie Mesko Lee, former city administrator
Morgan Hill, former economic development coordinator
Sarah Hodder, former deputy city clerk/HR tech
Tina Folch, councilmember, ward 1
Hastings Residents
Daniel Saunders, former resident
Eric Peterson, resident
Joe Hunt, resident and member of the Hastings Environmental Protectors (HEP)
Mike Nelson, resident and member of the Hastings Environmental Protectors (HEP)
Patrick McCauley, resident
Rick Shuster, resident
Business Representatives
Mark Gelhar, assembly supervisor, Quality One Woodwork
Mary Scheide, former manager, Pleasant Hill branch of the Dakota County Library
Sulman Hafiz, operations manager, ABM Machining
External Partners
Ben Bratrud, Citizens Utility Board
Partners in Energy Community Facilitators
Emma Struss, Partners in Energy facilitator
Jamie Johnson, Partners in Energy facilitator
Marisa Bayer, Partners in Energy lead facilitator
Energy Utility Representatives
Emma Schoppe, local energy policy manager, CenterPoint Energy
Jake Sedlacek, community relations manager, Xcel Energy
Patrick Mathwig, energy services representative, Dakota Electric Association
Steph Pederson, energy services representative, Dakota Electric Association
Tami Gunderzik, Partners in Energy program manager, Xcel Energy
Tim Doherty, business account executive, Dakota Electric Association
Yvonne Pfeifer, community energy efficiency manager, Xcel Energy
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 1
Where Are We Now? ................................................................................................... 1
Our Energy Vision........................................................................................................ 1
How Will We Get There? ............................................................................................. 1
Why an Energy Action Plan? ....................................................................................... 2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
Where Are We Now? ....................................................................................................... 3
Hastings Sustainability Initiatives ................................................................................. 3
Why an Energy Action Plan? ....................................................................................... 4
How Does Hastings Use Energy?................................................................................ 5
Where Do We Want To Go? ........................................................................................... 8
Our Energy Vision........................................................................................................ 8
Focus Areas ................................................................................................................ 8
Goals ........................................................................................................................... 9
How Are We Going To Get There? ............................................................................... 10
Community Call to Action .......................................................................................... 10
Focus Area A: Residential Energy Efficiency ............................................................. 11
Focus Area B: Business Energy Efficiency ................................................................ 18
Focus Area C: Electric Vehicles ................................................................................ 24
Long-term Energy Actions ......................................................................................... 28
Impact of Energy Action Plan ........................................................................................ 29
How Are We Going to Stay On Course? ....................................................................... 30
Appendix 1: Implementation Memorandum of Understanding ....................................... 31
Appendix 2: Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Planning Process ................................. 32
Appendix 3: Baseline Energy Analysis .......................................................................... 34
Appendix 4: Methodology for Measuring Success ........................................................ 45
Appendix 5: Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................... 47
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Executive Summary
This action plan, developed by and for the Hastings community, creates ownership and
accountability to address problems, such as rising energy costs and older, inefficient
buildings, as well as leverages opportunities and resources available to ensure benefits
to all residents and businesses. Successful implementation of this action plan will result
in energy cost savings for both residents and business owners, and an increased quality
of life through more comfortable and healthier homes and businesses.
Where Are We Now?
In 2017, our community consumed 1.5 million MMBTU of energy, spending a combined
$14.5 million in all sectors. Residences represent the largest sector of Hastings energy
users (91% of electric and 93% of natural gas premises) and consumed 54% of all
energy used in 2017. Comparatively, Hastings commercial/industrial premises represent
only 8% of electric premises and 7% of natural gas premises, having consumed 45% of
all energy used in 2017.
Our Energy Vision
Through increased education and engagement, Hastings residents and businesses will
adopt energy-saving behaviors and increase their home or facility’s energy efficiency to
enhance their quality of life and save energy and money.
How Will We Get There?
To achieve our vision, Hastings will prioritize three focus areas and promote specific
actions for residents and businesses to take:
•Complete a home energy audit
•Properly insulate and air seal your home
•Recycle inefficient refrigerators and freezers
•Install high-efficiency lighting
Focus Area A: Residential Energy Efficiency
•Participate in a business blitz visit
•Pursue financing options to help with upfront costs
•Apply for equipment rebates
Focus Area B: Business Energy Efficiency
•Learn about rates and incentives to charge your electric vehicle
•Attend an electric vehicle showcase
•Attend a fleet electrification workshop
Focus Area C: Electric Vehicles
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To measure success, near-term targets were set for each focus area. These targets are
specific, measurable, and achievable, ensuring our community will hit the ground
running towards achieving our energy vision.
Why an Energy Action Plan?
The City identified Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy offering as an opportunity to create
a community-driven and data-driven action plan with direction and guidance on how to
reduce overall energy consumption. Members of our community, including residents,
local businesses, City staff, and energy utility representatives, participated in a series of
planning workshops to ensure Hastings priorities and values were represented in the
vision, goals, and strategies of this plan. With this plan, we have identified specific,
actionable strategies to ensure all Hastings residents and businesses take advantage of
opportunities to increase energy efficiency to save money and improve their quality of
life. Partners in Energy will provide marketing and communications support, data
tracking and measurement, program expertise, and project management to ensure
Hastings hits the ground running with implementation.
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Introduction
Hastings, known for its historic downtown,
riverfront green space, and small-town
charm, has created a vision for its
community to ensure all residents and
businesses take advantage of
opportunities to increase energy efficiency
to save money and improve their quality of
life.
Because we are focusing our efforts on
residents, businesses, and electric
vehicles, everyone in our community will
benefit. We have set a clear course of
action to save energy and money. In the near term, this plan will increase the comfort
and health of Hastings homes and businesses. Longer term, these actions will make
Hastings more desirable for future residents, workers, and businesses.
Where Are We Now?
Hastings Sustainability Initiatives
The City of Hastings has demonstrated a commitment to being a steward of our
community’s environment and natural resources. In 2017, the City achieved Step 3 in
GreenSteps Cities, a statewide voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition
program to help cities achieve their sustainability goals. Energy-related best practices
include benchmarking city energy data, installing LED lighting in buildings, and
informing employees about energy-saving behaviors. The City continues to pursue
additional best practices and technical assistance.
The City is also exploring electric vehicles, completing a fleet analysis with Xcel Energy
and FleetCarma,1 and participating in Cities Charging Ahead!2 to understand ways to
integrate electric vehicles (EV) into the City fleet and become EV ready. The findings of
the fleet analysis will give the City a better picture of how their fleet is used, ways to
optimize operations, and how electrification of vehicles can impact operation and
maintenance costs.
1 Fleet analysis assesses electric vehicle suitability in City-owned fleet and charging infrastructure needed
based on deployment of electric vehicles. 2 Cities Charging Ahead! is sponsored by Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) and Great Plains
Institute. Participating cities receive technical assistance focused on actions and best practices local
governments can implement to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.
Hastings City Hall
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Table 1: Hastings Energy-Related Initiatives
Hastings’ Energy Initiatives
Recognition Programs • GreenSteps Cities
Policies & Plans
• Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan
o Resiliency in Development Goal 3:
Encourage Energy Efficiency in
Buildings, Lighting, and Infrastructure
• Recycling Program and Organics Pilot Program
• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
Policy
Community Initiatives • Hastings Environmental Protectors (HEP)
City-owned Properties & Fleet
• Completed fleet analysis through Xcel Energy
and FleetCarma
• Participated in Cities Charging Ahead!
• Plan to convert all lighting at all City buildings to
LED bulbs
• Planned energy efficient equipment upgrades
o Boiler replacement at City Hall and
Police Station
o Chiller replacement at Police Station
o HVAC and Energy Management
System upgrades at City Hall
• Solar light installations at dog park
Transportation • LOOP Bus Service
• Red Rock Corridor
Why an Energy Action Plan?
As noted in Table 1, the City of Hastings has made initial progress toward increasing
efficiency in their buildings, and has identified Comprehensive Plan strategies to
encourage energy efficiency in buildings, lighting, and infrastructure. The City identified
energy action planning as a way to create a shared energy vision, identify focus areas,
and develop actionable strategies to engage our community in energy saving initiatives.
Created by the Hastings community, this Energy Action Plan creates intention,
addresses problems, leverages opportunities, and enhances our values (Table 2).
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Table 2: Hastings Energy Action Team Answers to "Why an energy action plan?"
Address Problems Create Intention
• Rising energy costs
• Climate Change
• Older, inefficient buildings & homes
• Prioritizing goals and creating focus
• Coordinating stakeholders
• Creates ownership and accountability
• Call to action
Leverage Opportunities Enhance Our Values
• Save money
• Renewable energy
• Electric vehicles
• Gateway to other sustainability
initiatives
• Forward-thinking, progressive
• Engage all community members
• Maintain small-town feel
Hastings Energy Action Team at Workshop 5, Photo Credit: City of Hastings
Our efforts will be implemented over an 18-month period, aligning with phase 2 of our
Partners in Energy experience. Xcel Energy Partners in Energy will provide marketing
and communications support, data tracking and measurement, program expertise, and
project management. Partners in Energy will also provide the City and partners access
to webinars, best practices from other community energy action plans, and other
resources to support our implementation. See Appendix 2 for more information about
Partners in Energy and the planning process.
How Does Hastings Use Energy?
An integral part of the Partners in Energy planning process is reviewing historic energy
data for Hastings. Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association, and CenterPoint Energy
provided data on energy use, and participation counts and savings for utility energy
conservation programs. See Appendix 3 for a complete picture of Hastings’ baseline
energy data.
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Grid Energy Use
In 2017, our community consumed 1.5 million MMBTU of energy3 (see Figure 1),
spending a combined $14.5 million in all sectors. Residents represent the largest sector
of Hastings energy users (91% of electric and 93% of natural gas premises) and
consumed 54% of all energy used in 2017. Comparatively, Hastings
commercial/industrial premises represent only 8% of electric premises and 7% of
natural gas premises, consuming 45% of all energy used in 2017.
Figure 1: 2017 Total Energy Consumption4
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy opportunities exist in two forms: subscription programs and on-site
installations. In 2017, 334 total Hastings residents and businesses subscribed to
support renewable energy through Xcel Energy’s Windsource®,5 Dakota Electric’s
Wellspring Renewable Energy®,6 and community solar gardens (Table 3). On-site
3 Includes both electricity and natural gas consumption. 4 Includes electric consumption data from Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric Association, and natural gas
consumption data from CenterPoint Energy. Natural gas consumption for municipal premises not
available at this time and included in commercial and industrial natural gas use. 5 Xcel Energy’s Windsource is a voluntary subscription program that allows Xcel Energy customers to
source some or all of their electricity from wind energy. 6 Dakota Electric Association’s Wellspring Renewable Energy is a voluntary subscription program. Those
who participate in the Wellspring program are purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs). Dakota
Electric provides Wellspring energy to members through Great River Energy, their wholesale power
supplier.
16%
19% 1%
38%
26%
Total Energy Consumption
Residential Electricity
Commercial and Industrial
Electricity
Municipal Electricity
Residential Natural Gas
Commercial and Industrial
Natural Gas
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installations were less popular, with only two residential and four business premises
participating in Solar*Rewards7 and no customers participating in Dakota Electric Solar.8
Table 3: 2017 Renewable Energy Support Summary by Sector
Residential
Commercial &
Industrial
Windsource®
Subscribers 210 2
Subscription Amount (kWh) 463,321 17,466
Community Solar Gardens
Subscribers 103 1
Subscribed Amount (kWh) 277,107 2,988
Solar*Rewards
Installations 2 4
Total Capacity (kW) 17 107
Wellspring Renewable Energy
Subscribers 18 -
Subscribed Amount (kWh) 59,100 -
Dakota Electric Solar
Installations - -
Total Capacity (kW) - -
Energy Conservation Program Participation
Hastings residents and businesses have actively participated in energy conservation
programs.9 In 2017, 883 total premises participated in such programs, saving almost
13,500 MMBTU (0.9% of community energy use). The most popular energy-saving
programs for residents include home energy audits and efficiency rebates for heating
and cooling equipment. For commercial and industrial premises, lighting efficiency
programs, and heating and water-heating rebates have the highest participation rates.
7 Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards is an incentivized program, so monthly payments are made to the owner
of the solar system in exchange for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for the energy produced by the
solar system. 8 Dakota Electric Solar is a performance-based solar rebate program to assist members in recovering the
costs associated with installing a solar system. Members can also receive bill credits for the excess
energy produced by the solar system. 9 Utilities offer a portfolio of state-approved energy efficiency and demand management programs through
the state’s Conservation Improvement Program.
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Table 4: 2017 Energy Conservation Program Participation Summary
Residential
Commercial &
Industrial
Xcel Energy
Participants 423 40
Savings (kWh) 181,427 1,421,766
Dakota Electric Association
Participants 77 1
Savings (kWh) 52,213 219,000
CenterPoint Energy
Participants 310 32
Savings (therms) 29,783 41,150
Where Do We Want To Go?
Our Energy Vision
During the first planning workshop, the Hastings Energy Action Team worked together
to create a shared vision for Hastings’ energy future:
Through increased education and engagement, Hastings residents and
businesses will adopt energy-saving behaviors and increase their home or
facility’s energy efficiency to enhance their quality of life and save energy and
money.
Our vision represents the priorities of the Energy Action Team and the community
throughout the energy planning process.
Focus Areas
To achieve our shared energy vision, the Hastings Energy Action Team identified three
focus areas to prioritize strategies and
resources over the next two years:
Focus Area A: Residential Energy
Efficiency, targeting Hastings
homeowners.
Focus Area B: Business Energy
Efficiency, including all businesses with
specific outreach in Hastings historic
downtown and industrial park areas.
Photo Credit: City of Hastings
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Focus Area C: Electric Vehicles, focusing on education, rate options, and fleet
electrification.
These focus areas were chosen after analyzing baseline energy use, historical program
participation, and community demographics. By focusing our efforts in these three
areas, the Energy Action Team believes we can achieve near-term, measurable results
through the strategies outlined in this plan.
Goals
Working together, the team set near-term goals for each focus area to measure success
of implementing our Energy Action Plan.
Residential Energy Efficiency Focus Area Goals
100 Home Energy Squad® visits completed annually.
20 home insulation projects completed.
70 refrigerator or freezer recycling rebates annually.
Distribute 200 LED bulbs at community events.
Business Energy Efficiency Focus Area Goals
Conduct two business blitzes.
100 commercial and industrial energy conservation program participants
annually.
Electric Vehicles Focus Area Goals
Host three electric vehicle showcase events.
Deliver one fleet electrification workshop.
All goals will be achieved by the end of 2020 and measured against a three-year
baseline. Achieving these goals will result in energy and cost savings, increased quality
of life and comfort, and increased engagement with residents and businesses.
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How Are We Going To Get There?
The Energy Action Team developed near-term actionable strategies for each focus
area, including implementation resources, outreach strategy, and timeline.
Figure 2: Near-term Energy Saving Actions by Focus Area
Three long-term energy actions were identified for each focus area:
Focus Area A: Residential Energy Efficiency: Engage tenants.
Focus Area B: Business Energy Efficiency: Serve as an energy coach.
Focus Area C: Electric Vehicles: Increase public charging infrastructure.
The human, financial, and policy resources needed to achieve success and see
measurable results determined that these actions are best suited for long-term
implementation.
Community Call to Action
This Energy Action Plan was developed by and for the Hastings community. Successful
implementation of this plan will depend on community volunteers, local stakeholders,
and the City of Hastings working together. Residents, businesses, civic organizations,
and nonprofit organizations play a role in supporting this Energy Action Plan and
achieving our energy vision. Each focus area includes a “call to action” and
implementation tasks to help outline how the Hastings community can support
implementation.
•Complete a home energy audit
•Properly insulate and air seal your home
•Recycle inefficient refrigerators, freezers, and dehumidifiers
•Install high-efficiency lighting
Focus Area A: Residential Energy Efficiency
•Participate in a business blitz visit
•Pursue financing options to help with upfront costs
•Apply for equipment rebates
Focus Area B: Business Energy Efficiency
•Learn about rates and incentives to charge your electric vehicle
•Attend an electric vehicle showcase
•Attend a fleet electrification workshop
Focus Area C: Electric Vehicles
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Focus Area A: Residential Energy Efficiency
Why is this sector a priority?
The two primary reasons that Hastings residents are a priority are as follows:
Sector Size & Energy Use
Hastings residents are the largest sector of energy users in the city (91% of
electric and 93% of natural gas premises), consuming 54% of all energy used in
2017. Using existing communication channels and events, a large number of
residents can be reached through education and outreach.
Aging Housing Stock
Our housing stock is aging — 59% of all Hastings housing units were built before
1990.10 Older homes typically have many opportunities to improve efficiency
through equipment replacement and building envelope upgrades.
Who is the target audience for
residential outreach?
The primary target audience is
homeowners, who represent 72% of the
households in our community.11
Homeowners can reap all the benefits of
energy-related upgrades, and there are
fewer barriers to engaging homeowners
as opposed to tenants.
Low-income homeowners, who can
benefit from free or low-cost
opportunities, are also included in this
outreach.
What near-term actions will the City promote to help residents save energy?
Complete a home energy audit.
Properly insulate and air seal your home.
Recycle inefficient refrigerators or freezers.
Install high-efficiency lighting.
Goals
100 Home Energy Squad® visits completed annually.
20 home insulation projects completed.
70 refrigerator or freezer recycling rebates annually.
Distribute 200 LED bulbs at community events.
10 2013–2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Year Structure Built. 11 2013–2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Tenure.
A Hastings Home
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Community call to action: what can you do as a community member to support
residential energy efficiency?
Connect with community event organizers about tabling opportunities.
Volunteer to table at events to distribute information materials.
Share a testimonial about your experience getting a home energy audit or
upgrading your insulation to be part of a testimonial.
Support the Energy Action Plan goals and participate in an energy conservation
program; and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Like and share City social media posts and newsletter articles with your own
network.
Engage local service providers, civic organizations, and other partners to share
energy conservation resources.
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Near-term Residential Energy Efficiency Action Summary Tables
Residential Energy Efficiency Action A) Complete a home energy audit
Why is this action a
priority?
Home energy audits are an easy first step for homeowners to learn how their
home uses energy and identify energy saving improvements. There are different
service levels available to meet a resident’s needs, and free visits are available
to income-qualified households.
Timeline Q3 2019–Q4 2020
Q3 2019–Q4 2019 - Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) Complete 100 Home Energy Squad® visits annually
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Identify messaging that will resonate with Hastings residents
Assist with creating marketing plan for outreach strategy
Post informational materials on City website and social media platforms
Distribute information to community partners
Share testimonials from Hastings residents who have completed Home
Energy Squad visits on City communication channels
Identify city events for tabling
Call on volunteers to help with tabling
Partners in Energy
Create marketing plan for outreach strategy
Collect messaging from Dakota Electric Association about walk-through
audits
Create informational materials and webpage content
Create social media posts to promote energy audits
Write article about home energy audits for Rivertown News and Hastings
Star Gazette
Collect testimonials from previous Home Energy Squad participants
Coordinate Home Energy Squad tabling, if available
Train tabling volunteers
Dakota Electric Association
Provide information about walk-through audit program
Home Energy Squad®
Deliver visits
Assist with tabling at city events, if available
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with identifying events for tabling
Table at events to distribute informational materials
Community partners, such Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce,
Carpenter Nature Center, Hastings Family Services, and Hastings Senior
Center
Disseminate information in their networks
Resources
Home Energy Squad program information
Informational materials promoting Home Energy Squad and Dakota
Electric Association’s walk-through audit program
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City webpage(s)
Community events
Volunteers to help with outreach
Funding to help with printing information materials
Residential Energy Efficiency Action B) Properly insulate and air seal your home
Why is this action a
priority?
Sufficient insulation and air sealing increases a home’s energy efficiency and
protects your home against cold air in the winter and excess heat in the summer.
By increasing efficiency through insulation and air sealing, you can save money
on your energy bills.
Timeline Q3 2019-Q4 2020
Q3 2019-Q4 2019 - Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) 20 insulation projects completed by 2020
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Identify messaging that will resonate with Hastings residents
Assist with creating marketing plan for outreach strategy
Post informational materials on City website and social media platforms
Distribute information to community partners
Identify city events for tabling
Call on volunteers to help with tabling
Partners in Energy
Create marketing plan for outreach strategy
Collect messaging from CenterPoint Energy on insulation rebates
Create informational materials and webpage content
Create social media posts to promote insulation and air sealing in
conjunction with season changes
Write about benefits of air sealing and insulation for Rivertown News and
Hastings Star Gazette
Train tabling volunteers
CenterPoint Energy
Provide insulation rebate information and marketing materials
Share goal and rebate information with local trade partners
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with identifying events for tabling
Table at events to distribute informational materials
Community partners, such Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce,
Carpenter Nature Center, and Hastings Senior Center
Disseminate information in their networks
Resources
Informational materials promoting insulation and air sealing
City webpage(s)
Community events
Volunteers to help with outreach
Funding to help with printing information materials
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Residential Energy Efficiency Action C) Recycle inefficient refrigerators and freezers
Why is this action a
priority?
Old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers use more energy than you might think.
Residents have the option to recycle their second refrigerator or freezer to get a
rebate from their electric utility.
Timeline Q3 2019-Q4 2020
Q3 2019-Q4 2019 - Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) 70 refrigerator or freezer recycling rebates annually
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Identify messaging that will resonate with Hastings residents
Assist with creating marketing plan for outreach strategy
Post informational materials on City website and social media platforms
Distribute information to community partners
Coordinate outreach with annual waste drop off day
Identify city events for tabling
Call on volunteers to help with tabling
Partners in Energy
Create marketing plan for outreach strategy
Create informational materials and webpage content
Create social media posts to promote refrigerator/freezer recycling
Write article about refrigerator/freezer recycling rebates in Rivertown
News
Create insert for one City utility bill cycle
Train tabling volunteers
Dakota Electric Association
Provide recycling rebate information and marketing materials
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with identifying events for tabling
Table at events to distribute informational materials
Community partners, such Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce,
Carpenter Nature Center, and Hastings Senior Center
Disseminate information in their networks
Resources
Informational materials promoting both Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric
recycling rebates
City communication channels
Community events
Volunteers to help with outreach
Funding to help with printing information materials
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Residential Energy Efficiency Action D) Install high-efficiency lighting
Why is this action a
priority?
High-efficiency lighting is a quick-win for home efficiency. As bulbs burn out,
residents can replace bulbs with discounted LED bulbs purchased at
participating retailers.
Timeline Q2 2019 — Distribution at 2019 clean-up day
Q2 2020 — Distribution at 2020 clean-up day
Goal(s) Distribute 200 LED bulbs at community events
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Add information to communication channels
Call on staff volunteers to handout bulbs
Distribute bulbs to staff volunteers
Volunteer City staff and Dakota County staff to distribute bulbs at clean-
up day
Distribute informational materials and LED bulbs
Partners in Energy
Create LED bulb stickers
Coordinate LED bulb delivery
Creating marketing plan for social media posts
Create social media posts to promote high-efficiency lighting
Xcel Energy
Provide LED bulbs for distribution
Print and deliver LED bulb stickers
Dakota Electric Association
Provide LED bulbs for distribution
Resources
City communication channels
Community events
LED bulbs to distribute at tabling events
Staff volunteers to help with outreach
Impact of Residential Energy Efficiency Near-term Actions
Successful implementation of these near-term actions will result in:
200 Home Energy Squad visits;12
20 homes with new, sufficient insulation;
140 inefficient refrigerators and or freezers safely recycled; and
200 LED bulbs distributed to Hastings residents.
12 Participation counts included for Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Squad, Low Income Home Energy
Squad, and Home Energy Audit.
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Achieving these targets will result in an additional 152,000 kWh saved and 12,300
therms saved total for these programs.13 These actions will also improve the quality of
life for Hastings residents by improving health and comfort of their homes, and lowering
their energy bills.
Through increased education and engagement, it is estimated energy conservation
program participation and associated savings will increase across the board for all utility
programs (Table 5).
Table 5: 2019–2020 Projected Residential Program Participation and Estimated Savings
3-year Baseline
Participants
Projected
Participants
2019–2020
Estimated
Savings 2019–
2020
Xcel Energy 335 981 429,526 kWh
Dakota Electric Association 70 175 66,858 kWh
CenterPoint Energy 370 935 103,510 therms
13 Compared to three-year baseline participation and savings continuing through 2019–2020 for Xcel
Energy’s Home Energy Squad, Low Income Home Energy Squad, Home Energy Audit, and Refrigerator
Recycling; CenterPoint Energy’s Home Insulation Rebates; and Dakota Electric Association’s Refrigerator
and Freezer Recycling. Baseline savings for these programs are 131,950 kWh and 3,004 therms.
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Focus Area B: Business Energy Efficiency
Why is this sector a priority?
The Energy Action Team identified three
primary reasons why businesses should be
engaged in energy efficiency:
Sector Use and Impact
The commercial/industrial sector represents
only 8% of electric premises and 7% of
natural gas premises, but consumes 45% of
all energy used in Hastings.14 When a few
businesses take action, it will have a
significant impact on reducing energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy and Dollar Savings
When a business makes an energy efficient improvement, they save energy, and
save money on energy bills. In some cases, they will also see savings in
maintenance and operation. Separate from energy savings, there are real
financial benefits to businesses’ bottom line.
Economic Development
Hastings has a strong local business community. Many businesses in the area
are locally owned and operated. Investing in energy efficient improvements can
help a business increase the safety and comfort of the facility for their
employees, improving employee engagement and retention.
Who is the target audience for business outreach?
Downtown businesses, including unique retail and restaurant businesses located
in Hastings’ historic downtown.
Industrial businesses, located in the industrial park off Highway 316.
Downtown businesses and industrial park businesses were chosen because of their
geographic concentration and their economic importance to our community. Assisting
small businesses in the downtown area with efficiency upgrades will continue to
preserve Hastings’ small-town charm, and increase both worker and shopper comfort.
Assisting industrial businesses will increase worker safety and comfort, and helps the
bottom line.
14 Includes data from Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Dakota Electric. 2017.
Downtown Hastings, Photo Credit: City of
Hastings
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HASTINGS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
19
What near-term actions will the City promote to help businesses save energy?
Participate in a business blitz visit.
Pursue financing options to help with upfront costs.
Apply for equipment rebates.
Goals
Conduct two business blitzes.
200 total commercial and industrial energy conservation program participants.
Community call to action: what can you do as a community member or business
owners to support business energy efficiency?
Advise the City of Hastings and Partners in Energy team on what information
your business wants to learn about.
Support businesses that make energy efficiency improvements.
Volunteer to assist with door-to-door outreach during a business blitz or table at
an event.
Conduct follow-up to businesses to encourage follow-through on energy saving
improvements.
Share energy efficiency and energy financing opportunities with other business
owners and business associations using your network.
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20
Near-term Business Energy Efficiency Action Summary Tables
Business Energy Efficiency Action A) Participate in a business blitz visit
Why is this action a
priority?
A business blitz is an effective way to engage businesses one-on-one in energy
action. Through quick, targeted engagement, businesses can learn about energy
efficiency opportunities and sign up on the spot for more information.
Timeline Q3 2019–Q4 2019 — Business Blitz 1
Q2 2020–Q3 2020 — Business Blitz 2
Goal(s) Conduct two business blitzes: one targeting downtown Hastings and one
targeting the industrial park.
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Identify messaging that will resonate with businesses during outreach
Assist with identifying date and time for events
Assist with identifying partners to help organize and conduct business
blitz
Promote business blitz on City communication channels
Distribute press release to local papers
Email to business organizations letting them know about event
Call on volunteers and staff to assist with day-of and follow-up tasks
Provide list and map of businesses in downtown and industrial park
Partners in Energy
Coordinate messaging and call to action for business blitz
Create informational materials to distribute day-of
Create press release and flyers promoting blitz
Assist with identifying date and time for blitz
Identify partners to help organize and conduct business blitz
Coordinate partnership with energy nonprofits
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with conducting blitz and follow-up
Local business organizations, such as Hastings Area Chamber of
Commerce and Hastings Downtown Business Association
Disseminate information in their networks
Support business blitz outreach
Energy nonprofits, such as Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
Assist with conducting blitz
Resources
Informational materials to distribute day-of
Communication channels to share outreach effort
Volunteers to help with outreach
Funding to help with printing information materials
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HASTINGS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
21
Business Energy Efficiency Action B) Pursue financing options to help with upfront costs
Why is this action a
priority?
Financing options are important to a business owner’s decision to make an
energy efficiency improvement. Low-cost financing or gap financing can be the
tool to help motivate a business to move forward with an improvement.
Timeline 2019–2021
Q4 2019–Q1 2020 — Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) Make financing information easily accessible on City website
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Assist with identifying resources and financing options
Identify existing points of contact where the City interacts with
businesses to share message
Post informational materials on City website and social media platforms
Integrate information into existing City points of contact with businesses
Distribute information to business organizations
Partners in Energy
Identify resources and financing options to include in informational
materials
Create informational materials and webpage content
Create social media posts promoting financing webpage(s)
Customize materials to fit with existing point of contact engagement
Collaborate with business organizations to create newsletter or email
content to share
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with sharing message to business organizations
Local business organizations, such as Hastings Area Chamber of
Commerce and Hastings Downtown Business Association
Disseminate information in their networks
Resources
Informational materials with financing information
Designated webpage(s) on City website and space at City Hall for
informational materials
Volunteers to help with outreach
Funding to help with printing information materials
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22
Business Energy Efficiency Action C) Apply for equipment rebates
Why is this action a
priority?
Rebates are an easy way for businesses to cut costs when upgrading
equipment. Almost all Hastings businesses can benefit because of the variety of
rebates available.
Timeline 2019–2021
Q4 2019–Q1 2020 — Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) Increase commercial/industrial sector utility program participation in
prescriptive rebates
Implementation
Team & Task
City of Hastings
Identify existing points of contact where the City interacts with
businesses to share message
Post informational materials on City website and social media platforms
Integrate information into existing City points of contact with businesses
Distribute information to business organizations
Partners in Energy
Identify equipment rebate options available
Create webpage content
Craft materials to target different types of business — small/medium size
vs. large/industrial
Create social media posts promoting equipment rebate webpage(s)
Customize materials to fit with existing point of contact engagement
Collaborate with business organizations to create newsletter or email
content to share
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with sharing message to business organizations
Local business organizations, such as Hastings Area Chamber of
Commerce and Hastings Downtown Business Association
Disseminate information in their networks
Resources
Informational materials with rebate information for all energy utilities
Designated webpage(s) on City website and space at City Hall for
informational materials
Volunteers to help with outreach
Funding to help with printing information materials
Impact of Business Energy Efficiency Near-Term Actions
Successful implementation of business energy efficiency near-term actions will generate
important benefits for business engagement and retention, as well as lower energy use.
Achieving these near-term targets will result in 200 total commercial and industrial
energy conservation program participants by 2020. Program participation is estimated
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HASTINGS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
23
to primarily increase for lighting efficiency assessments and rebates. Table 6 illustrates
the estimated increase across all utility energy conservation offerings.
Table 6: 2019-2020 Projected Commercial and Industrial Program Participation and Estimated
Savings
3-year Baseline
Participants
Projected
Participants
2019–2020
Estimated
Savings
2019–2020
Xcel Energy 56 134 2,167,048 kWh
Dakota Electric Association 31 4 76,312 kWh
CenterPoint Energy 2 64 161,344 therms
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24
Focus Area C: Electric Vehicles
Why is this sector a priority?
Hastings’ Energy Action Team identified four main reasons why electric vehicles (EV)
and charging infrastructure are important:
Leveraging Efforts Underway
The City of Hastings is completing a fleet analysis with Xcel Energy and FleetCarma,
and is participating in the Cities Charging Ahead! initiative to understand EV-
readiness policies and charging infrastructure.
Becoming a Destination
Electric vehicles are emerging as a
popular car choice for consumers. In
October 2018, EV sales surpassed 1
million.15 Hastings can help meet the
demand for public charging infrastructure
as a draw for new residents, businesses,
and tourism.
Overcoming Knowledge Gaps
Electric vehicles are relatively new
technology. Not many people have driven an electric vehicle, and people often aren’t
sure how they work or what’s needed to maintain them.
Reducing Tailpipe Emissions
Electric vehicles do not generate tailpipe — yielding benefits to both air quality and
public health.
Who is the target audience for electric vehicle outreach?
Potential EV owners, who will become informed buyers through increased
education about EV ownership.
Current EV owners, who will benefit from new public charging infrastructure.
Local employers with fleet vehicles, who have the opportunity to electrify some or
all of their fleet (including the City of Hastings).
15 Inside EVs Plug-in Sales Scorecard, https://insideevs.com/monthly-plug-in-sales-scorecard.
Community Event, Photo Credit: City of Hastings
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HASTINGS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
25
What near-term actions will the City promote to engage the target audience?
Learn about rates and incentives to charge your electric vehicle
Attend an electric vehicle showcase
Attend a fleet electrification workshop
Goals
Host three electric vehicle showcase events.
Deliver one fleet electrification workshop.
Community call to action: what can you do as a community member to support
the electric vehicles focus area?
Read the information available about rates and charging incentives
Volunteer to share information materials at tabling events or with your own social
network.
Help coordinate an electric vehicle showcase with local event organizers or
businesses.
Attend an electrical vehicle showcase and test drive a vehicle.
Encourage your employer to attend a fleet electrification workshop.
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26
Near-term Action Summary Tables
Electric Vehicles Action A) Learn about rates and incentives to charge your vehicle
Why is this action a
priority?
Some consumers don’t know about the different options they have for charging
their electric vehicle at home. This action will educate consumers about the
different rate structures available.
Timeline Q3 2019–Q4 2020
Q3 2019–Q4 2019 — Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) Increase awareness of rate structure options
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Post informational materials on City website and social media platforms
Distribute information to volunteers and community partners
Call on volunteers to share information with their EV networks
Assist with having information available at electric vehicle showcase
(Action B) and electrification workshop (Action C)
Partners in Energy
Identify rate structures for both electric utilities
Create informational materials and webpage content for rate options for
each electric utility
Create social media posts about EV rate structures
Dakota Electric Association
Share rate structure information for electric vehicle charging
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with sharing information to community partners and electric
vehicle organizations
Community partners, such as local car dealerships
Share information materials
Electric vehicle organizations, such as Drive Electric, Minnesota Tesla
Owners Club, and Minnesota EV Owners
Disseminate information in their networks
Resources
Webpage(s) on City website
Electric utility EV-rate structure information
Funding to help with printing information materials
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HASTINGS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
27
Action B) Attend an electric vehicle showcase
Why is this action a
priority?
Electric vehicle showcases help educate the public about the benefits of owning
an electric vehicle. Some events, known as “ride and drives,” give community
members an opportunity to test drive a vehicle or sit in a vehicle to see features
up close.
Timeline Q3 2019–Q4 2020
Q3 2019–Q4 2019 — Informational materials on City website
Goal(s) Host three electric vehicle showcase events
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Identify existing events to host showcases
Assist with outreach to local event organizers and car dealerships to
assess interest in partnering to host ride and drive
Call on volunteers to help with tabling
Promote showcase to residents through City’s communication channels
and on City website
Partners in Energy
Support outreach to partners and co-hosts
Support volunteer and staff coordination
Dakota Electric Association
Share rate structure information for electric vehicle charging
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with identifying event and showcase opportunities
Assist with outreach to local event organizers and car dealerships to
assess interest in partnering to host EV showcase
Assist with coordinating event logistics
Table at events to distribute informational materials
Community partners, such as Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, local
car dealerships, and weekly car show hosts
Share information materials
Co-host showcase
Electric vehicle organizations, such as Drive Electric, Minnesota Tesla
Owners Club, and Minnesota EV Owners
Share event information in their networks
Resources
Events to co-host showcase
Electric vehicles to feature at showcase
Volunteers to help with outreach and staff showcase events
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28
Action C) Attend a fleet electrification workshop
Why is this action a
priority?
Businesses and organizations with fleet vehicles could benefit from fleet
electrification by reducing maintenance and fuel costs. The City of Hastings is
completing a fleet electrification analysis and can share what they learned to
educate others.
Timeline Host after City’s first EV purchase
Goal(s) Deliver one fleet electrification workshop
Implementation
Team & Tasks
City of Hastings
Post event information on City’s website and communication channels
Send invitations to businesses associations and their members
Identify date and time for event
Identify presenters
Reserve meeting space
Create and send invitation
Deliver workshop
Create presentation materials
Partners in Energy
Assist with coordinating presenters from Xcel Energy
Support event logistics
Volunteers, including Energy Action Team and Hastings Environmental
Protectors
Assist with identifying organizations with fleet vehicles for potential
attendance
Resources
Space for hosting workshop
Invitation and RSVP platform
Presenters
Workshop refreshments
FleetCarma results and suitability assessment
Long-term Energy Actions
Four long-term energy actions were identified as important to achieving Hastings energy
vision, but were determined to be best suited for long-term implementation because of
limited financial and human resources.
Subscribe to Renewable Energy
Renewable energy subscriptions are an easy way for residents and businesses to
support renewable energy without installing equipment on their home or facility. The
Energy Action Team determined promoting renewable energy subscriptions was best
suited as a long-term action after the Energy Action Plan’s message of energy efficiency
and increasing comfort resonated with the community. The team can use lessons
learned from the first 18-months of implementation for the best ways to share this
message.
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HASTINGS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
29
Engage Tenants
The Energy Action Team identified tenants as a target audience during initial planning,
but believed the landlord/tenant barrier was too difficult to overcome after evaluating
different target audiences. Using lessons learned and increased capacity from engaging
homeowners, the City of Hastings and its Energy Action Team will identify new
strategies for engaging tenants.
Serve as an Energy Coach
An energy coach would encourage a resident or business to participate in energy
efficiency rebates and programs, and act as a single point of contact for questions and
resource recommendations. The team decided to make this a long-term strategy
because of the financial and human resources needed to train and staff energy
coaches.
Increase Public Charging Infrastructure
Increasing public charging infrastructure is an important strategy for EV readiness and
promoting Hastings as a destination for EV drivers. Current policy and financial
resources needed to encourage new or existing developments to install a charging
station are currently not available. The Energy Action Team thought this strategy was
best suited for the long-term, but recommended the City encourage (but not require)
charging infrastructure during development review.
Impact of Energy Action Plan
The combined targets and strategies outlined in this plan will decrease community
energy use through increased efficiency, as well as increase community awareness of
the benefits of energy efficiency through engagement and outreach.
Overall, achieving near-term targets laid out in this plan will result in a 29% increase in
electricity savings and 18% increase in natural gas savings in 2019 and 2020 combined.
Residents and businesses who participate in energy conservation programs will save an
estimated $1.5 million combined.
Table 7: Estimated Energy Savings 2019–2020
Business as Usual
Savings
2019-2020
Energy Action Plan
Impact Savings
2019-2020
Percent
Change
Electricity (kWh) 2,160,366 2,779,197 29%
Natural Gas (Therms) 204,620 240,502 18%
Total Energy (MMBtu) 27,833 33,533 20%
In addition to energy and cost savings, this action plan will increase the comfort and
health of Hastings homes and businesses, making Hastings more desirable for future
residents, workers, and businesses.
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30
How Are We Going to Stay On
Course?
This Energy Action Plan is a living
document. Goals and strategies will be
assessed and refined as needed based on
data and Hastings staff capacity.
Data & Reporting
Partners in Energy will provide biannual
progress reports with metrics of success and
overall progress towards goals for Xcel
Energy rebates and programs. These reports will be available publicly and shared with
both the City and Energy Action Team.
If available, ad-hoc participation reports for specific Xcel Energy programs (e.g. Home
Energy Squad) are available to measure success of campaigns and to determine if we
need to change course.
Partners in Energy will request participation and savings data annually during
implementation from Hastings other energy utilities — CenterPoint Energy and Dakota
Electric Association — to assist with measuring progress towards goals.
Project Management & Tracking
Partners in Energy will host biweekly project management check-in calls with City staff
to ensure we stay on course to achieve our strategies.
Hastings Energy Action Team at Workshop 1
Figure 3. Actions and Tracking
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Appendix 1: Implementation Memorandum of Understanding
To be added.
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32
Appendix 2: Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Planning
Process
Xcel Energy is one of two electric utilities serving Hastings. In the summer of 2014, Xcel
Energy launched Partners in Energy to support communities like Hastings to develop
and implement energy action plans that supplement existing sustainability plans,
strategies, and tools. The content of this plan is derived from a series of planning
workshops held in the community with a planning team committed to representing local
energy priorities and implementing plan strategies.
Partners in Energy will work with the City of Hastings to coordinate support for
implementing the plan and will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (Appendix 1)
that outlines specific support Xcel Energy will provide to help Hastings deploy its
strategies and achieve its goals.
Figure 4. Partners in Energy Process for
Success Figure 5. Resources from Xcel Energy for Implementation
Plan Development Process
City staff actively recruited a diverse group of community representatives, including
representatives from small businesses, community organization, residents, and the City
to create Hastings Energy Action Plan. Please see the Acknowledgements at the
beginning of this document for a complete list of participants.
The Energy Action Team met over the course of five planning workshops and one focus
group meeting to review community energy-use data, identify energy priorities, and
develop strategies. A summary of the planning process can be found in Table 8.
Project
Management
Communication
Assistance and
Resources
Tracking and
Measurement
Celebration and
Recognition of
Successes
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Table 8: Partners in Energy Planning Process
Partners in Energy Planning Process
Workshop 1
June 6, 2018
Team introductions and Partners in Energy process
overview.
Reviewed baseline energy data and past city and
community energy initiatives.
Discussed Energy Visions for Hastings’ future.
Workshop 2
September 6, 2018
Discussed background information, opportunities, and
prioritization of the focus areas that emerged from
Workshop 1 and the pre-Workshop 2 survey.
Voted on the prioritization of focus areas.
Introduced the group to the goal setting process and
sample community goals.
Workshop 3
October 11, 2018
Reviewed residential survey.
Identified target audience and opportunities for saving
energy in residential focus area.
Developed strategies and preliminary goals for residents.
Workshop 4
December 20, 2018
Identified target audience and opportunities for saving
energy for electric vehicles focus area.
Identified actions and timeline for engaging Hastings
community.
Brainstormed strategies and preliminary goals for electric
vehicles.
Business Focus Group
February 14, 2019
Identified barriers and benefits to engage small- and
medium-sized businesses in energy action
Brainstormed engagement strategies to best serve
Hastings’ business community
Workshop 5
March 27, 2019
Reviewed progress in planning process and reasons for
creating an Energy Action Plan.
Refined strategies for all three focus areas to identify
implementation lead and resources.
Conducted an impact-feasibility analysis to understand
what strategies to prioritize.
Identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats (SWOT analysis) to Hastings Energy Action Plan.
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34
Appendix 3: Baseline Energy Analysis
An integral part of the Partners in Energy planning process is reviewing historic energy
data for Hastings, which includes data on energy use, participation in utility energy
conservation programs, and savings associated with participation in those programs.
Data was provided by Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association, and CenterPoint
Energy for all Hastings premises for 2015–2017. The data helped the Energy Action
Team understand Hastings’ energy use and opportunities for energy conservation and
renewable energy. Data included in this section will also establish a baseline against
which progress toward goals will be compared to in the future.
Electric and Natural Gas Premises
In 2017, there were over 10,000 electric premises and over 8,000 natural gas premises
within the city limits.16 Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric provide electric service to
Hastings, and CenterPoint Energy provides natural gas service. A breakdown of the
City’s electric premises by sector is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7. Municipal premises
are separated from commercial and industrial premises in the electric data shown
(Figure 6), but are not available separately from natural gas data at this time.
Figure 6: 2017 Electric Service Premise Count by Sector17
16 A premise is a unique identifier for the location of an energy service. 17 Includes data from Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric Association.
91%
8%
1%
Electric Premise Count
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
Premises
10,019
2017
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Figure 7: 2017 Natural Gas Service Premise Count by Sector18
Electricity and Natural Gas Consumption by Sector
While commercial and industrial premises only make up 8% of electric premises and 7%
of natural gas premises, they account for 52% of the community’s electricity
consumption and 41% of natural gas consumption (Figure 8 and Figure 9). Municipal
premises consumed 3% of electricity community-wide and accounted for 1% of electric
premises.19
Figure 8: 2017 Electricity Consumption by Sector20
18 Includes data from CenterPoint Energy. 19 Natural gas use and premise counts for municipal facilities not available at this time. 20 Includes data from Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric Association.
93%
7%
Natural Gas Premise Count
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Premises
8,427
2017
45%
52%
3%
Electricity Consumption
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
159,171,864
Total kWh
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36
Figure 9: 2017 Natural Gas Consumption by Sector21
Energy Use Trends22
Over the baseline period of 2015 to 2017, total energy use decreased 2% community-
wide. This corresponded with a 4% decrease in electricity consumption and a 1%
decrease in natural gas consumption. As shown in Figure 10, residential premises are
responsible for the majority of community-wide energy use.
21 Includes data from CenterPoint Energy. 22 For the purpose of this plan, energy refers to electric and natural gas consumed by premises.
59%
41%
0%
Natural Gas Consumption
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
therms
9,842,493
2017
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Figure 10: 2015–2017 Total Energy Consumption by Sector23
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Trends
Similar to community energy use, residential premises were responsible for the greatest
portion of greenhouse gas emissions in Hastings. In 2017, energy use in Hastings
accounted for over 111,500 MTCO2, approximately equivalent to 23,600 passenger
vehicles driven for one year.24 Table 8 shows that community-wide greenhouse gas
emissions from energy use have been trending downwards over the three years shown,
and at a faster rate than electricity and natural gas use. While overall energy use
decreased by 2% from 2015 to 2017, carbon emissions decreased 14% in the same
period. The faster rate of decreasing emissions can be attributed to “grid
decarbonization,” which includes the current and planned reductions in the carbon
intensity of electricity provided by Xcel Energy through the addition of low- or no-carbon
energy sources to the electricity grid.25
23 Includes data from Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Dakota Electric Association. “Municipal” in
this chart refers only to municipal electricity use. 24 United States Environmental Protection Agency, Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. 25 For more information about Xcel Energy’s Carbon Reduction Plans, see “Building a Carbon-Free
Future.”
838 823 823
712 670 689
15
15 15
1,565 1,508 1,528
-
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2015 2016 2017
MM
B
t
u
Th
o
u
s
a
n
d
s
Total Energy Consumption
Residential Commercial and Industrial Municipal
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38
Figure 11: 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
Figure 12: 2015-2017 Greenhouse Gas Emission Trends by Sector
Energy Costs and Trends (2015–2017)
In 2017 alone, Hastings customers spent over $14.5 million on energy. Residents spent
over $6.6 million, while commercial and industrial customers spent over $7.4 million.
The City of Hastings spent $431,000 on electricity for city-owned facilities in 2017.
51%
47%
2%
GHG Emissions
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
2017
65 58 57
62
52 53
2
2 2
129
111 112
-
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2015 2016 2017
MT
C
O
2
e
Th
o
u
s
a
n
d
s
GHG Emissions
Residential Commercial and Industrial Streetlights Municipal
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Figure 13: 2017 Energy Costs by Sector
Energy Conservation Program Participation
Hastings residents and businesses have actively participated in utility energy
conservation programs. Figure 14 shows total participation in all utility conservation
programs from 2015–2017. Tables 9, 10, and 11 show program participation by utility.
45%
52%
3%
Energy Costs ($)
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
Total Cost
$14,547,145
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40
Figure 14: 2015–2017 Energy Conservation Program Participation Trends by Sector26
26 Includes data from Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Dakota Electric. Home Energy Squad
participation is only counted from Xcel Energy to avoid double counting.
745 815 810
70
127 73 815
942
883
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
2015 2016 2017
Pa
r
t
i
c
i
p
a
n
t
s
Conservation Program Participation
Residential Commercial and Industrial
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Table 9: 2015–2017 Xcel Energy Energy Conservation Program Participation and Savings by
Sector
2015 2016 2017
Programs Participants
Savings
(kWh) Participants
Savings
(kWh) Participants
Savings
(kWh)
Re
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
Efficient New Home
Construction 5 3,262 2 776 1 878
Home Energy Audit 2 - 3 - 3 -
Home Energy Savings
Program 4 1,456 9 567 4 528
Home Energy Squad 16 10,651 7 5,031 10 14,324
Low-Income Home
Energy Squad - - - - 37 22,437
Multi-Family Energy
Savings Program - - - - - -
Residential Cooling 74 41,010 98 58,112 76 24,753
Residential Heating 62 38,418 63 44,768 111 75,997
Refrigerator Recycling 41 37,953 19 18,499 41 42,161
Residential Saver's
Switch 99 792 58 464 136 274
Smart Thermostat - - 13 - 4 75
Co
m
m
e
r
c
i
a
l
Computer Efficiency - - 1 4,550 - -
Cooling 4 78,088 3 79,901 5 5,930
Custom Efficiency 1 13,292 1 323,930 1 263,702
Data Center Efficiency - - - - - -
Efficiency Controls - - - - 1 551,281
Electric Rate Savings 1 (1,328) - - 3 11,134
Energy Design
Assistance - - - - - -
Energy Efficient
Buildings - - 1 149,216 1 65,151
Fluid System
Optimization 3 407,453 1 76,649 1 3,852
Foodservice Equipment - - - - - -
Heating Efficiency - - - - 1 3,783
Lighting Efficiency 12 210,286 14 166,141 16 417,681
Motor Efficiency 3 170,720 5 305,407 2 35,465
Multi-Family Building
Efficiency - - - - - -
Process Efficiency - - - - - -
Recommissioning - - - - - -
Saver's Switch for
Business 2 15 50 727 2 5
Small Business Lighting 8 46,548 19 566,390 6 63,782
Turn Key Services - - 1 - 1 -
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42
Table 10: 2015–2017 CenterPoint Energy Energy Conservation Program Participation and Savings
by Sector27
2015 2016 2017
Programs Participants Savings
(kWh) Participants Savings
(kWh) Participants Savings
(kWh)
Re
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
CenterPoint Energy
Home Efficiency
Rebates28
346
19,690
409
23,800 298
28,860
CenterPoint Energy
Home Insulation
Rebates
9
1,540 2 260 - -
CenterPoint Energy
Home Energy Squad 13 1,420 7 650
13
623
CenterPoint Energy
Residential Energy
Audit
8 n/a 4 n/a - -
CenterPoint Energy
New Home
Construction
Rebates29
3
1,090
6
1,460
12
300
CenterPoint Energy
Low-income
Residential Programs
6
950 5
170 -
-
Co
m
m
e
r
c
i
a
l
CenterPoint Energy —
C&I Heating and Water
Heating Rebates
28
52,690
23
62,480
27
29,490
CenterPoint Energy —
All Other C&I
Programs
5
2,600
5
66,850
5
11,660
27 Certain programs are excluded from these charts and participation counts. For CenterPoint Energy,
these programs are Home Energy Reports and Low-Flow Showerhead and Aerator. 28 Includes Heating System, Water Heating, Hearth, Laundry & Thermostat Rebates 29 Includes CenterPoint Energy Whole Home New Construction for 2015 and 2016.
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Table 11: 2015–2017 Dakota Electric Association Energy Conservation = Program Participation
and Savings by Sector30
2015 2016 2017
Programs Participants Savings
(kWh) Participants Savings
(kWh) Participants Savings
(kWh)
Re
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
Dakota Electric Income
Qualified Programs - - 5 3,878 2 188
Dakota Electric
Residential Cooling
Rebates
31 9,969 48 16,967 55 32,497
Dakota Electric Other
Equipment Rebates 6 4,132 11 5,546 4 3,262
Dakota Electric
Refrigerator and
Freezer Recycling
10 10,029 21 21,501 16 16,266
Co
m
m
e
r
c
i
a
l
Dakota Electric LED
Lighting 3 86,481 3 27,988 - -
Dakota Electric Whole
Building
Commissioning &
Retrofit
- - - - 1 219,000
How is Hastings Investing in Renewable Energy?
In 2017, 335 total Hastings residents and businesses subscribed to support renewable
energy through Xcel Energy’s Windsource®, Dakota Electric’s Wellspring Renewable
Energy®, and community solar gardens (Table 12). On-site installations were less
popular, with only two residential premises and four business premises participating in
Solar*Rewards and no customers participating in Dakota Electric Solar.
30 Certain programs are excluded from these charts and participation counts. For Dakota Electric, these
programs are LED lights, CFL Bulbs, Holiday LEDs.
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Table 12: 2017 Renewable Energy Support Summary by Sector
Residential
Commercial &
Industrial
Windsource®
Subscribers 210 2
Subscription Amount (kWh) 463,321 17,466
Community Solar Gardens31
Subscribers 103 1
Subscribed Amount (kWh) 277,107 2,988
Solar*Rewards32
Installations 2 4
Total Capacity (kW) 17 107
Wellspring Renewable Energy
Subscribers 18 -
Subscribed Amount (kWh) 59,100 -
Dakota Electric Solar
Installations - -
Total Capacity (kW) - -
31 Xcel Energy Community Energy Report, 2017. 32 Ibid.
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Appendix 4: Methodology for Measuring Success
As part of implementation support, Partners in Energy will provide biannual progress
reports for Xcel Energy participation and savings data. All goals will be measured
against a 3-year baseline of 2015–2017 data unless otherwise noted.
The following section defines the 3-year baseline against which progress will be
measured, including the utility program(s) included in the baseline.
Residential Energy Efficiency Focus Area Goals
1. 100 Home Energy Squad® visits completed annually.
This target will be measured against a 3-year baseline of 26, which includes
participation counts from Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Audit, Home Energy
Squad, and Low-income Home Energy Squad.
2. 20 home insulation projects completed.
This target will be measured against a 3-year baseline of 4, which includes
participation counts from CenterPoint Energy Home Insulation Rebates.
Note: CenterPoint Energy data not included in biannual progress reports.
3. 70 refrigerator or freezer recycling rebates annually.
This target will be measured against a 3-year baseline of 50, which includes
participation counts from Xcel Energy’s Refrigerator Recycling and Dakota
Electric Association Refrigerator and Recycling.
Note: Dakota Electric Association data not included in biannual progress reports.
4. Distribute 200 LED bulbs at community events.
Xcel Energy provided 200 LED bulbs to Hastings City Staff on April 26, 2019.
This target will be measured against success of distributing those bulbs.
Additional bulbs provided by Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association, or another
entity will be included in the total count.
Business Energy Efficiency Focus Area Goals
1. Conduct two business blitzes.
This target will be measured against a baseline of zero.
2. 100 commercial and industrial energy conservation program participants
annually.
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This target will be measured against a 3-year baseline of 89, which includes all
participation counts in Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Dakota Electric
Association commercial and industrial programs and rebates.
Note: CenterPoint Energy and Dakota Electric Association data not included in
biannual progress reports.
Electric Vehicles Focus Area Goals
1. Host three electric vehicle showcase events.
This target will be measured against a baseline of zero. All showcase events
hosted between April 2019 and December 2020 will be included.
2. Deliver one fleet electrification workshop.
This target will be measured against a baseline of zero. All electrification
workshops hosted by the City will be included.
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Appendix 5: Glossary of Terms
15 x 15: Xcel Energy’s privacy rule, which require all data summary statistics to contain
at least 15 presmises, with no single premise responsible for more than 15% of the
total. Following these rules, if a premiseis responsible for more than 15% of the total for
that data set, it is are removed from the summary.
Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP): Portfolio of approved utility energy
efficiency and demand management programs. Minnesota electric utilities have a goal
of saving 1.5% of their total energy sales each year via customer conservation efforts.
Minnesota natural gas utilities have a goal of saving 0.5% of their total energy sales
each year via customer conservation efforts.
Energy Burden: Percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG): Gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation
and significantly contribute to climate change. The primary greenhouse gases in the
earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
Grid Decarbonization: The current planned reduction in the carbon intensity of
electricity provided by electric utilities through the addition of low- or no-carbon energy
sources to the electricity grid.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): A unit of electricity consumption.
Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu): A unit of energy consumption that allows both
electricity and natural gas consumption to be combined.
Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MTCO2e): A unit of measure for
greenhouse gas emissions. The unit "CO2e" represents an amount of a greenhouse
gas whose atmospheric impact has been standardized to that of one unit mass of
carbon dioxide (CO2), based on the global warming potential (GWP) of the gas.
Premise: A unique identifier for the location of electricity or natural gas service. In most
cases it is a facility location. There can be multiple premises per building, and multiple
premises per individual debtor.
Renewable Energy Certificate (REC): For every megawatt-hour of clean, renewable
electricity generation, a renewable energy certificate (REC) is created. A REC embodies
all of the environmental attributes of the generation and can be tracked and traded
separately from the underlying electricity. Also known as a Renewable Energy Credit.
Resilience: The ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and withstand
and recover rapidly from disruptions. Resilience includes the ability to withstand and
recover from deliberate attacks, accidents, or naturally occurring threats or incidents
Therm (thm): A unit of natural gas consumption.
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Trade Partner: Trade Partners, also known as Trade Allies or Business Trade Partners,
are vendors and contractors who work with business and residential customers
servicing, installing, and providing consulting services regarding the equipment
associated with utility rebate programs. Their support for utility programs can range from
providing equipment and assisting with rebate paperwork, to receiving rebates for
equipment sold.
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