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6 <br />2.Energy Consumption <br />Most residents care about using energy resources in a prudent and conserving manner, but they <br />struggle with finding the time and know-how to change from conventional practices in the midst <br />of busy lives with many topics competing for attention. One way in which the SEQC can be of <br />practical help to residents is by exploring options which can make it easier and more accessible, <br />to reduce their carbon footprint. <br />The SEQC is working with local resources such as Conservation Minnesota, other Cities and <br />associated entities who are active in helping implement two areas of high potential to help <br />Shoreview residents participate in energy efficiency alternatives most only read and hear about, <br />but don’t know how to pursue. The SEQC is exploring options and ways forward to bring to the <br />City Council for concurrence and approval if the options are deemed viable. <br />1. Enabling broad participation in Community Solar projects allowing residents to buy solar <br />energy. On Dec 12, 2014, Xcel Energy opened a solar garden program after the <br />Minnesota State Legislature and Public Utilities Commission gave approval for this <br />program. This program uses a third party solar garden developer to build the solar garden, <br />work with Xcel Energy and offer individual Shoreview resident subscribers to buy solar <br />energy without having to finance and install solar panels on their own homes. We are <br />exploring options to develop community solar garden options in Shoreview, with <br />guidance from metro-area experts such as the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs). <br />Our highest priority is to put out an RFQ/RFP for the City of Shoreview to determine <br />actual numbers if it were to pursue using a building such as the Maintenance Building to <br />host a community solar site. <br />2. As a second priority, Shoreview has many businesses with large rooftops which could be <br />good host sites for solar arrays. After option 1 above is determined, we would like to <br />work with Shoreview’s EDC and EDA to pursue talking with businesses with large, <br />unused roof areas to determine their interest in hosting the space for community solar <br />gardens and see if we can fit it into these programs. This can be an attractive way for <br />businesses to incorporate their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives with our desire <br />as a community to have solar gardens and our limitations on not having a lot of large <br />open spaces to use.