Energy-Saving Audits

Energy audits can identify substantive ways to save energy and reduce operating costs. If you think you might be spending more on energy than you should or would like to be spending, consider having a professional energy audit conducted.

Minnesota Energy Resources will even help you pay for an energy audit! Implement just one audit recommendation that qualifies for a Minnesota Energy Resources prescriptive or custom rebate, and we will pay a portion of your energy audit cost. The audit incentive works as follows:

Non-profits, Schools and Governmental customers will be eligible for 100% reimbursements not to exceed $610 per building under 25,000 square feet, and $850 for buildings over 25,000 square feet. Customers not included in the non-profit group are eligible for an incentive equal to 50% of the audit cost up to $305 per building under 25,000 square feet, and $425 for buildings over 25,000 square feet. There is a limit of three buildings per customer per year. All audits must be performed by a qualified auditor and the audit report must cover multiple aspects of energy use including:

• HVAC system controls
• HVAC system efficiency and operations
• Domestic hot water
• Building envelope
• Commercial cooking (where applicable)

You may have the audit performed by any qualified auditor of your choosing. Please be sure the auditor you select can meet the Criteria for Auditors and Energy Audits provided below.

Or you may Sign up today to request an audit for your business using Minnesota Energy Resources' certified energy auditor. The certified energy auditor will contact you in 1-5 business days to schedule an appointment.

To qualify for this rebate, the audit must be paid in full to the auditing company. The commercial or industrial customer must install energy-efficient equipment or envelope measure(s) that qualifies for a Minnesota Energy Resources Prescriptive or Custom rebate. The audit rebate must be processed in unison with a Minnesota Energy Resources Prescriptive or Custom rebate. A complete copy of the audit and proof of payment must accompany the application.

Please note: Funding is limited and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. This program ends December 31, or when funding is depleted.

Criteria for Auditors and Energy Audits

Only audits completed by auditors meeting the following criteria will qualify for the audit rebate:

• Energy audits may be offered by qualified individuals or firms.
• Firms offering energy audits must provide documentation of the qualifications of the individual performing the audit.
• All individuals who perform energy audits must be certified by the Association of Energy Engineers as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or have a Professional Engineer's license in the state where energy auditing services are offered, or both. Minnesota Energy Resources may, at its sole discretion, consider alternative certifications. Auditors should also indicate any special training or qualifications related to energy efficiency.
• Auditors must indicate any limitations or restrictions in their scope of services.
• Auditors must disclose if they have any affiliations with equipment manufacturers, vendors, distributors, installation contractors, or energy services contractors (ESCOs).

Energy audits must include the following information in order to qualify for a rebate:

• Name and address of the facility, natural gas utility account numbers, customer contact information, and the date of the audit.
• Auditor's name, contact information and proof of certification as a Certified Energy Manager and/or Minnesota Professional Engineers license number. Other certifications may be included as applicable. Auditors must include a disclosure if they have any affiliations with equipment manufacturers, vendors, distributors, installation contractors, or energy services contractors (ESCOs).
• A summary of the client's annual energy consumption by month.
• A description of the facility including square footage, building envelope, major energy consuming equipment, hours of operation, number of occupants, and a description of what is done in the facility.
• A summary of important findings along with any supporting data, measurements, drawings, etc.
• A list of recommendations for increasing energy efficiency which may include equipment replacement and upgrades, improved maintenance practices, operational changes, and waste minimization.
• Estimated capital costs and annual energy savings for each recommended energy efficiency measure.