Partnering in Energy Solutions

Whether a business is retrofitting an existing facility or preparing for new construction, it is important to implement energy-saving solutions and operate as efficiently as possible. Simply put, by reducing energy use, a business can save money and resources.

RPU designed Partnering in Energy Solutions (PIES) to connect businesses with expert vendor resources, or Energy Solutions Partners (ESPs), in the following categories and service areas.

ESP Categories

Appliance Vendors
Architects
Builders/Developers
Electricians
Engineers
HVAC/Mechanical Contractors
Lighting Vendors

ESP Service Areas

Design Engineering
Facility Energy Audits & Targeted Audits of Specific Systems
Installation
Power System Corrections
Product Sales
Retrocommissioning
Service or Repair

These ESPs will:

Analyze current and future energy use and needs
Propose cost-cutting changes, as well as energy-efficient upgrades to equipment
Provide payback analysis of suggested improvements
Assist with the purchase and/or implementation of suggested improvements
List and apply for all available RPU CONSERVE & SAVE® rebates
Assist with applying for RPU financing on your energy-efficient project – 0% interest, up to $25,000 for qualified customers

If you are a contractor or vendor interested in becoming an ESP, contact an RPU Energy and Environmental Advisor at 507-280-1500.

How the Program Works

1. Customer Interest

The customer contacts an RPU Energy and Environmental Advisor at 507-280-1500, who will identify Energy Solutions Partners (ESPs) who can help them.

2. Pre-Construction Consultation or Walk-Through of Existing Facility

For new construction, the ESP works with the customer to assess energy use and specify the installation of energy-efficient equipment. For existing facilities, an estimate will be provided for an Energy Audit/Engineering Study.

3. Audit or Assessment

Upon the customer’s approval, the ESP completes the audit or assessment. If there is a charge, RPU provides a CONSERVE & SAVE® Energy Audit/Engineering Study Rebate. See application for complete terms and conditions.

4. Project Proposal

The ESP provides the customer with the audit/assessment results that include an energy-saving analysis and a proposal to complete any applicable improvement projects. The ESP ensures any equipment installations, if applicable, will be eligible for RPU’s CONSERVE & SAVE® rebates, and rebate amounts will be included in this proposal.

5. Financing

If needed, Energy Efficiency Financing may be available to qualified customers through RPU. See the Financing section of this brochure for detailed information.

6. Project Completion and Applying for Rebates

Upon the customer’s approval, the project is completed. For unfinanced amounts, the customer pays the ESP directly, and the ESP assists the customer in completing and submitting any RPU CONSERVE & SAVE® rebate applications. If the project is financed through RPU, the ESP will provide RPU with the final invoices along with any CONSERVE & SAVE® rebate applications.

How Financing Works

1. Customer Interest

Financing is available for qualified customers. Customers must contact an RPU Energy and Environmental Advisor at 507-280-1500 for pre-approval. Eligible projects must be completed by an ESP and qualify for a CONSERVE & SAVE® rebate.

2. Availability of Funds

All financing is based on availability of funds. RPU informs the customer or ESP of the availability of financing funds. The ESP submits required paperwork, documentation, and administration fee.

3. Project Pre-Inspection

RPU performs a pre-inspection verification of the project. Financing funds will be held up to 90 days. If the project is not completed within those 90 days, funds may be released to other pending projects.

4. Project Completion

Upon project completion, the ESP submits final paperwork and invoices to RPU for payment on the financed amount. The ESP also submits the CONSERVE & SAVE® rebate applications. The ESP invoices the customer for any unfinanced amounts.

5. Post-Inspection & Payments

RPU performs a post-inspection verification of the project. RPU pays the ESP for the financed amount, and the customer pays the ESP any remaining unfinanced balance. RPU pays the customer rebates as a credit to the financed amount. The customer begins repaying RPU through their monthly utility bill.

Financing Terms

Balances under $5,000: repayment period up to 12 months
Balances from $5,001–$25,000: repayment period up to 24 months
Maximum financed amount per project: $25,000
0% interest
Administration fee:

$300 for projects under $5,000
$500 for projects between $5,001 and $25,000

CONSERVE & SAVE® Rebates

RPU’s CONSERVE & SAVE® rebates help offset the cost of improving the energy efficiency of businesses and ensure they get the most from their energy dollars.

For Partnering in Energy Solutions projects, the ESP ensures any equipment installations, if applicable, will be eligible for CONSERVE & SAVE® rebates and helps the customer submit applications.

To be eligible for financing, projects must:

Be completed by an ESP
Qualify for at least one CONSERVE & SAVE® rebate

Eligible rebates may include:

Central Chillers
Compressed Air Equipment
Cooling Equipment
Food Service Equipment
Guest Room Energy Management Systems
Heat Pumps (Air Source, Ground Source, or Water Source)
Lighting
Motors
Refrigeration
Retrocommissioning
Variable Speed Drives
Custom Rebates (with pre-approval)