6.1d ERMUSR 03-14-2023
UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
ERMU Commission
FROM:
Tom Sagstetter – Conservation & Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE:
March 14, 2023
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
6.1d
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• In the last 30 days, the ChargePoint chargers have been utilized for 56 sessions and have
provided customers with 749 kWh. The level two charger located at the main office has
communication issues and is not reporting any detailed activity through the online
portal. Beginning in April the DC fast charger will no longer be supported by
ChargePoint. Staff is continuing to work with ChargePoint and other possible options for
providing public EV charging in our community.
• Currently there are eight active residential solar panel projects under review or
construction in the ERMU service territory. Staff continues to collaborate with
customers interested in a solar installation on a case-by-case basis.
• Recently ERMU and City staff mailed the Home Improvement Resources flyer to all
customers in the Elk River urban services area. This is a great partnership with the City
of Elk River, Tri County Community Action Program, and ERMU to promote efficiency
programs that are targeted to customers most in need of repairs and upgrades. The
flyer highlights grants, low-interest loans, and the weatherization programs. This
initiative was the first time we directly targeted these customers for this program and so
far it has been successful. Since the mailer, the City has received 10 correspondences.
Nine over the phone and one walk-in. Their projects included some of the following:
siding, roofing, furnace, central air, handicap walkway, basement finish, pad for trailer,
windows, garage, fencing, cabinets, and a whole flip! There are currently three
applications in process. Additionally, there was another application approved and ready
to close but the applicant backed out last minute due to too much paperwork.
• ERMU staff attended an energy audit of the Furniture and Things Event Center with
Energy Management Solutions on March 7. Staff found additional opportunities for
energy savings.
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• Staff attended the American Public Power Association Legislative Rally in Washington,
D.C. February 26 – March 2. The conference included an all-day meeting with various
Minnesota representatives in which staff was able to present to Dorothy Clark the
legislative assistant for Representative Tom Emmer on preserving and protecting the
infrastructure and investments that have been made available to electric utilities
through the Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
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