1. Sign up for a discounted comprehensive energy assessment

Experienced energy experts will come to your facility, review your energy use, and identify ways to reduce consumption and save money. While there, the experts can install door gaskets, sweeps, aerators and other similar energy-saving equipment at no cost to you. This comprehensive, ASHRAE level 1 visit combines a CenterPoint Natural Gas Energy Analysis (NGEA) and Xcel Energy Streamlined Assessment, which typically cost $500. Under the Climate Champions program, you pay only $100!

City staff can help set up an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. Contact Annie Pottorff, sustainability specialist, at 952.928.1418 or apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov to set up an appointment.

Note: If your facility has multiple utility meters (e.g., strip mall) or has complex processes, multiple visits might be necessary to cover the whole facility. In these cases, the city will share the cost of each visit required and you will only pay $100 for each visit. Contact city staff for a cost estimate for your building’s assessment.

2. Apply for the Climate Champions cost share

After the assessment, you will receive a report detailing the recommended energy efficiency improvements and electrification options, as well as grants and rebate opportunities. When you’re ready to move forward with the project(s), apply for preapproval through the Climate Champions cost-share online application for a partial reimbursement. See the "how to apply" tab for more information.

Eligible projects include efficient lighting, refrigeration, HVAC, controls, air sealing and insulation improvements, as well as electrification (fuel switching).

3. Get recognized

If your facility completes an assessment and one or more projects using the cost-share program, you’ll be recognized as a St. Louis Park Climate Champion! You’ll receive a Climate Champions window cling, and your business may be listed on the city’s website and recognized on social media and in the quarterly Park Perspective newsletter.

Below are the eligibility requirements for businesses to participate in the cost-share program:

• Projects applying for the cost-share program must be an existing large commercial or industrial property located within the City of St. Louis Park.
• A comprehensive energy assessment (CenterPoint Natural Gas Energy Analysis and Xcel Streamlined Assessment) must be performed within 36 months of and prior to commencing any work eligible for cost-sharing funds. The dated report must be attached to the preapproval application.
• Applicant must be the property owner or manager or provide documentation stating that the application was completed by a third party with the applicant’s permission.

Base rate 

• 50% of total eligible utility rebate, up to $7,500 maximum

Any property in St. Louis Park that fulfills the program eligibility criteria.

Environmental justice rate 

• 75% of total eligible utility rebate, up to $10,000 maximum

Any property in the City of St. Louis Park that fulfills the program eligibility criteria and is located within census tracts 223.02, 227 or 230. Visit the United States Census Bureau’s website to find your census tract.

Benchmarking rate 

• 75% of total eligible utility rebate, up to $10,000 maximum

Any property in the City of St. Louis Park that fulfills the program eligibility criteria and is subject to and currently in compliance with the Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance or chooses to participate in annual benchmarking voluntarily in perpetuity.

Note: While we try to fund all projects, funds are limited. Priority will be given to projects that qualify for the environmental justice rate if more than one project is competing for any final fund balance.

* The City of St. Louis Park is committed to environmental justice and race equity. Visit the racial equity and inclusion page to learn more about the city’s race equity efforts.

The City of St. Louis Park reserves the right to adjust cost share amounts as demand levels and project costs may change in the future.

To apply for the cost-share program, complete the online Climate Champions cost-share application.  Make sure to upload and attach your comprehensive energy assessment report and a completed W-9 form to the application.

You will be notified of your application status within 15 business days of receipt.

Below is the program process, after applications are submitted.

1. Begin design or construction

After your application has been approved, you must begin design and/or construction no more than 180 days after receiving a program acceptance email. If you don't communicate delays of more than 180 days to the city, the city may reallocate the funding to another project.

2. Submit rebate checks

Submit a copy of your utility rebate check(s) to apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov.

3. Receive cost-share payments

Cost-share payment will be issued to the applicant within 60 business days of receiving the required documentation.

4. Program recognition

A window cling will also be mailed to the applicant when cost-share payments are issued.

The applicant will be listed in the quarterly Park Perspective newsletter. They will also be recognized on the city’s website and social media, unless the applicant requests otherwise.

The following are the program rules and procedures:

• The City of St. Louis Park reserves the right to revoke the funding if the property owner or contractor violates program rules and procedures.
• Funds are allocated based on what’s approved in the application. In the event the project size increases or decreases, the applicant is responsible for working with their contractor(s) to submit an updated application to the city. Any additional cost-share funds must be approved by the city's program administrator.
• The applicant is responsible for arranging all upfront project financing. Additional financing resources are available from the city.
• Check with your tax preparer to find out if there are tax implications of receiving cost-share funds.
• Applicant must complete their energy audit and receive their report prior to applying for construction permits. All work must meet City of St. Louis Park, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes.
• The City of St. Louis Park can’t recommend specific contractors.
• The applicant is strongly encouraged to verify the contractor’s qualifications. To verify the status of licenses, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's website or call DLI at 651.284.5069.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that product purchases, equipment purchase, installation or other work proposed have been completed satisfactorily before paying the contractor(s).
• Staff will verify census tract or compliance with the Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance for applicants seeking the 75% cost-share match.
• Applicants choosing to participate in the Efficient Building Benchmarking program voluntarily agree to participate in the program annually in perpetuity beginning in the calendar year immediately following the current year.

Can the energy advisor submit the Climate Champions application on behalf of the property owner?

The energy advisor can fill out and sign the application form under two conditions:

• Advisor signs name but adds after it “on behalf of [CUSTOMER NAME]”
• Property owner must email Emily Ziring, eziring@stlouisparkmn.gov, indicating they gave permission to the energy advisor to complete the application. An email that reads “I give permission for [ENERGY ADVISOR] to complete the Climate Champions program application on my behalf” will suffice.

I already received an NGEA + Streamlined Assessment. Am I eligible for the Climate Champions cost share?

Yes. As long as the assessment was completed in the past 36 months. Contact city staff to discuss how to qualify.

I completed my energy improvements last year but didn't get an assessment first. Can I still qualify for the cost share?

No. Projects must receive a CenterPoint Natural Gas Energy Analysis and Xcel Streamlined Assessment and be preapproved for the cost share.