Cloquet Schools benefit from rebates

Minnesota Energy Representative Jeff Larson and Gene Salmi of Energy Service Group (ESG) attended the Aug. 23 Cloquet School Board meeting to present a rebate check for recent energy-saving upgrades in Cloquet public schools.

Stating that rebates make energy-saving projects easier to complete, Larson then presented a check for $71,303 to the board to help with the costs for boiler replacements in four of the five district schools, heat recovery, replacing steam with hot water, covering the pool in the middle school and other system improvements.

District Finance Manager Kim Josephson pointed out that the amount represents some $40,000 more than originally expected.

“We are happy to help the school district save money by bringing down the cost of energy-saving projects,” commented Larson.

Minnesota Energy Resources provides rebates to customers who install high efficiency natural gas equipment, energy efficient appliances, and set-back thermostats to lower their natural gas bill.

Salmi touched briefly on the opportunities presented by rebate money in meeting various needs in the schools.

“We were pleased to hear that the rebates came back at an even higher rate than we originally thought they would,” said Salmi.

Cloquet Superintendent of Schools Ken Scarborough thanked Minnesota Energy Resources and ESG for helping the school district “go green.” The rebate money will go into the district’s general fund.

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