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Interest in energy efficiency for buildings and adding renewable energy, like solar, has been growing in recent years in southwest Minnesota. Now, financing for these energy efficiency projects has become even more affordable through a financing tool called PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy).
Available to commercial and agri-businesses, the Rural Minnesota Energy Board’s PACE program provides project financing that is repaid as a special assessment on property taxes. PACE eliminates the burden of upfront costs by providing low-cost, long-term financing with interest rates now as low as 3%. PACE is designed so that the increase in property taxes is offset by the decrease in energy costs so that the business sees either no change or a cost savings in their bottom line.
Businesses like the Blue Line Travel Center in Worthington, a 24-hour one-stop rest center with gas/diesel, a full restaurant, drivers’ lounge, truck scale, deli, bakery, and private showers, saw a 62.5% reduction in energy costs ($44,596 in annual savings) from updating their outdoor lighting to energy efficient LEDs. Blue Line’s outdoor lighting project with PACE was so successful that they furthered their energy savings by making interior modifications to improve the customer and employee experience.
Culligan Water in Worthington also used PACE to fund a roof insulation project and improve lighting. “When you get an old building like this,” owner Nathan Holt explained, “so much of your money is leaking out of the roof or walls because of wasted energy, poor insulation, and old lighting.” Holt didn’t stop investing in energy efficiency at his business after completing the PACE-financed roof project. He has continued working in stages on lighting upgrades. “Business has been good and we’re saving energy. Little by little and as we can afford them, we’ve been able to utilize the money we’ve saved to reinvest in the business and other upgrades in our building” says Holt. The numerous energy efficiency projects have had a noticeable and positive impact on the Culligan building’s energy use and operating costs year round, with an annual savings of $1,655.
To date, the RMEB PACE program has helped 31 businesses finance clean energy projects across southern Minnesota. Potential building improvements that can be financed with PACE include, but are not limited to, LED lighting, improved heating/cooling, enhanced insulation, new windows, new refrigeration, and solar.
RMEB’s PACE program is available to businesses in the 18 Rural Minnesota Energy Board (RMEB) member counties, including Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, and Watonwan. PACE is administered by the Southwest Regional Development Commission.
Learn more about PACE online at swrdc.org or rmeb.org/ pace or contact PACE Program Administrator Robin Weis at 507-836-1638 or robin@swrdc.org for more information.
Question: I’ve noticed you use the word “crash” and not the word “accident” when talking about incidents while on the radio. T.V. and the newspaper. Why is that?
Answer: I’d be glad to talk about this as I am passionate about this topic and it is certainly intentional. The spark for this issue stems from a court trial from almost two decades ago involving the intentional ramming of a police vehicle, which resulted in the death of a police officer. During the trial, an attorney brought up the point that the incident was referred to by police in all of the reports as an “accident.” It also was reported by police on an “accident” report form, thus it was argued that the incident was not intentional and charges should be dismissed. I won’t get into the results of that trial, but ever since that time, traffic safety officials in the state have made a huge effort to influence everyone to use the word “crash” and not the word “accident.”
The definition of “accident” is “an unfortunate incident that happens and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.” The definition of “crash” is “collide violently with an obstacle or another vehicle.” Accidents happen. That is what we tell children who are upset about spilling their milk at the supper table. We often think “accident” is a neutral word to describe bad luck but I think there is more to it than that. “Accident” tends to imply that no one is at fault and when used for a traffic crash, it could give the impression that what occurred was not important.
I understand that anyone involved in a crash did not want it to happen and that it was most likely unintentional. But there is a reason why it happened; and most of the time it is from a person in control of a vehicle that has a momentary lapse in judgement or made an all-out destructive decision (impaired driving, reckless or aggressive driving, etc.) Even equipment issues (unsafe tires, obstructed vision, etc.) contribute to crashes and can be prevented. Yes, most crashes can be prevented.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes in 2020 – the largest number of fatalities since 2007. Preliminary reports for Minnesota in 2021 were 501 traffic deaths, the highest since 2007. Why the recent severe increase in fatal crashes? This is what the traffic safety community is trying to understand and find a solution. Speeding has been a primary contributor since the start of the pandemic.
Weather and slippery roads can be a factor but each and every driver is responsible for keeping control of their vehicle at all times. This is accountability and it starts with every person, every time they get behind the wheel. The choices we make and the choices we fail to make have consequences. You might be a very good driver, but we do share the road with other people making some poor decisions (impairment, distractions, aggressive driving, etc.)
A crash doesn’t respect age, career success, love for family or anything else. People of all ages died last year. Please slow down, pay attention, plan for a sober ride and buckle up. Speak up and take care of yourself and the people you care about. This is how we make the changes to save more lives.
Question: I saw your recent article about flooded roads. Do you have any advice on what a person should do if their vehicle plunges into the water?
Answer: The dynamics of such an incident are everchanging, so there is no one answer that will cover it all. Having witnessed and responded to these types of situations, here is what I would recommend.
Most vehicles will float on the water’s surface for 30 to 60 seconds. If your vehicle enters deep water, make every attempt to get out immediately. If possible, exit the vehicle through open windows before the water reaches the window level.
If your vehicle becomes submerged, try not to panic. Vehicle doors cannot be opened until water pressure inside the car is equal to that pressure outside. When the vehicle is completely filled, doors can be opened, if there is no structural damage.
The engine’s weight will cause the front end of the car to sink first. The rear passenger compartment may provide an air pocket while you plan your escape strategy. If there are other people in the vehicle, determine their condition and try to exit the vehicle together.
I would advise everyone to take swimming lessons. This is a life skill that can save your life and the life of someone else.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)
