Jan Smith (left), Grand Marais Public Utility Commission secretary, presents a “big check” to the Cook County Community YMCA. Accepting the energy efficiency rebate check were (L-R) Cook County Commissioner Heidi Doo- Kirk, County Maintenance Director Brian Silence and Colette Mueller, YMCA associate executive director.
Local government officials were pleased to accept a payment of $12,737.50 in utility rebates from the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission on August 11. Keith Butcher, the energy service specialist for the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), which provides power for the city of Grand Marais, explained that the rebate was made because of energy efficient equipment choices made by Cook County during the planning and construction phases of the Cook County Community YMCA.
Butcher said, “The county’s investment in energy efficient equipment will save them over 300,000 kWhs of electricity annually.”
Butcher said the rebates are for the YMCA’s efforts focused on highly efficient air-conditioning units, lighting (high bay linear fluorescents, CFLs and LEDs), and the significant use of occupancy sensors throughout the building to ensure that lights are off when not needed.
Additionally, Cook County is working with Grand Marais Public Utilities to quantify the savings from the installation of variable speed drives on the swimming pool and water slide pumps. Upon completion of the data collection, it is expected Cook County will receive additional funds. “This is yet another example of how Grand Marais Public Utilities works with their customers to use energy wisely,” said Butcher.
To learn how you can participate in any of the Grand Marais Public Utilities programs, visit www.SaveEnergyInGrandMarais.com or call Keith Butcher, Grand Marais’ SMMPA energy representative, at 507-990-5907.
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