Pictured are Princeton Public Utilities General Manager Keith Butcher, Owner Troy Minske, Energy Services Representative Nancy Kelly, and Princeton Public Utilities Commissioner Jack Edmonds.

Troy Minske, owner of Rum River Automotive, recently replaced one hundred older fluorescent lamps with high-efficiency LED lamps. The larger investment involved upgrading their heating and cooling system to efficient mini-split air source heat pumps. Troy has experience with mini splits at his home and cabin was confident in this technology. These projects qualified for a $2,352 rebate from Princeton Public Utilities. The project reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to planting four acres of forest. Owner Troy Minske shared, “The new mini-split units performed well this past winter. We did see a decrease in energy use due to both these projects. The lighting in the shop was a significant improvement over the old fluorescent lamps.”

Bright Child Building Owner Jim Oliver received a rebate check of $2,880 from Princeton Public Utilities General Manager Keith Butcher, Energy Services Representative Nancy Kelly, and Princeton Public Utilities Commissioner Jack Edmonds.

This project included a full retrofit of all their older fluorescent lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps. Annual energy savings are approximately $5,000 per year. This project reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking seven cars off the roads. Jim shared, “We recently bought the building, and our maintenance person convinced me to replace the inefficient lighting. I can see the bill savings and this rebate was a tremendous help!”

Trinity Lutheran Church Property Manager, Gene Reierson, received a rebate check of $833 from Princeton Public Utilities Commissioner Jack Edmonds, Energy Services Representative Nancy Kelly, and Princeton Public Utilities General Manager Keith Butcher.

Trinity Lutheran Church upgraded their lighting in the community room, halls, and classrooms. They replaced 162 inefficient fluorescent lamps with high-efficiency LED lamps. Princeton Public Utilities covered half the cost of the new LED lamps. The project reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to planting four acres of forest. Gene shared, “This made a significant difference. We can see the savings in the monthly bills.”

Rum River Property Manager Sara received a rebate check of $23,257 from Princeton Public Utilities General Manager Keith Butcher, Energy Services Representative Nancy Kelly, and Princeton Public Utilities Commissioner Jack Edmonds.

The qualifying projects included high-efficiency LED lighting in common areas; ENERGY STAR® fixtures, dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, window AC units in the apartments; a high efficiency hot water circulator; and mini-split air source heat pumps. This project reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking twenty-five cars off the roads. The property owner Marla Briggs shared, “This is just awesome! Thanks for all the work supporting this project.”