Energy Efficiency

The Lake Street Council can help your business take advantage of several local rebate and grant programs that can help you reduce your cost of operations, comply with local regulations, reduce pollution, and create healthier work environments.

Watch this short video to hear from local small businesses share their experience getting a FREE energy assessment and how easy it is to start the process and get real savings on your energy bills!

HOW WE ARE HELPING

Ways your business or nonprofit can be more energy efficient:

Energy Smart

In partnership with Energy Smart, a program of the MN Chamber, we can help you find ways to reduce your energy bills and upgrade your equipment with significant discounts. Energy Smart can provide a free energy assessment for your building, during which they will discuss your priorities and walk through your building with you to identify key energy-saving opportunities.

If you are planning to buy equipment that uses electricity or natural gas to operate, or recently made a purchase, get in touch! There may be rebates available from Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy that can help make it more affordable to buy new, high-quality, energy-efficient models. Additional grants from the City of Minneapolis and other entities can sweeten the deal even more.

Equipment that often qualifies for rebates includes:

  • Lighting - LEDs

  • Kitchen equipment - hoods, refrigerators, ovens, deep fryers, 

  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units

  • Water heaters

  • Air compressors

  • Industrial equipment

SBEEDi

The Small Business Equitable Energy Decarbonization Initiative (SBEEDi) fosters a community of practice to expand the use of clean energy among small businesses, with a focus on underserved commercial corridors in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Learn more.

FLYERS

  • Flyers on energy users by industry

  • Loan info

  • Main action connect to energy smart

CONTACT
Matt Kazinka, Senior Strategic Initiatives Manager
612-823-0096, mkazinka@lakestreetcouncil.org

“Just wanted to thank you for your invaluable help in submitting our light fixtures upgrade rebate application! We just received a check for $600! Thank you all for the great work you all do for our beloved Lake Street!”
— Daniel Farias, Owner, Mi Boleto Travel

Energy Efficiency News & Updates

Featured
This Plastic Free July, take the next step toward reducing waste at your business.
This Plastic Free July, take the next step toward reducing waste at your business.

Waste Wise provides free technical assistance to help Minnesota businesses and nonprofits reduce waste, including unnecessary single-use plastics.

Read more →
Food Forward Program
Food Forward Program

The City of Minneapolis is actively enrolling restaurants in zip codes 55407 and 55408 for the upcoming Food Forward cohort. Food Forward gives restaurants hands‑on support to reduce wasted food, improve kitchen efficiency, donate surplus meals, and save on costs.

Read more →
Replacing Energy-Using Equipment?
Replacing Energy-Using Equipment?

If your business needs to replace aging or inefficient equipment, the MN Promise Act is still available to help offset project costs. Eligible upgrades may include HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and other energy-using systems.

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Replace Aging Commercial Vehicles and Equipment
Replace Aging Commercial Vehicles and Equipment

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has $5 million in funding available to help owners of fossil fuel vehicles and equipment switch to new, cleaner equipment and vehicles.

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CenterPoint Energy Rebate Application Deadline is Soon
CenterPoint Energy Rebate Application Deadline is Soon

Did you install new energy-efficient natural gas equipment in 2025? Your furnace, boiler, water heater, thermostat, foodservice equipment, and more may qualify for a rebate from CenterPoint Energy!

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Green Cost Share Funding Still Available
Green Cost Share Funding Still Available

If you’re considering upgrades like LED lighting, a new furnace, or fresh cooking equipment, Energy Smart can help you take the next step.

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A Little Maintenance Now Means Lower Bills Later
A Little Maintenance Now Means Lower Bills Later

As fall settles in, now is the perfect time to schedule your furnace or boiler tune-up. Whether you rent or own your space, it’s important to ensure your heating system is ready to handle the season ahead.

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Don't miss your chance for savings!
Don't miss your chance for savings!

Green Cost Share funds are still available—first come, first served.

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Ditch the Plastic in Plastic Free July
Ditch the Plastic in Plastic Free July

This Plastic Free July, there’s no better time to join MNimize – a free consultation program that helps restaurants and food businesses cut down on single-use plastic.

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Don’t Get Left in the Dark: Act Now on LED Retrofits Before Rebates Expire
Don’t Get Left in the Dark: Act Now on LED Retrofits Before Rebates Expire

Minnesota is phasing out fluorescent lighting to boost energy efficiency and cut environmental risks. Sales of screw- and bayonet-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are already prohibited (effective January 1, 2025), with pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent tubes to follow on January 1, 2026.

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