The Local Government PBEEEP is a program offered through the Department Of Commerce, Office Of Energy Security (OES). PBEEEP addresses energy efficiency in public buildings across Minnesota through a targeted recommissioning/retrocommissioning (RCx) and retrofit focus. Energy affecting and energy consuming equipment, systems, and operations practices are evaluated to identify energy conservation opportunities that result in cost savings for the Local Government Unit (LGU). The majority of projects will follow a 4-phase project process: screening, investigation, implementation, and verification. A key component of PBEEEP is that the program provides LGUs access to project funding through a combination of co-funding and lease-purchase financing without the need to have budgeted in advance.

Program Overview

See the PBEEEP Local Fact Sheet for a more in-depth overview on PBEEEP.

PBEEEP Feature Details

  • Recommissioning/retrocommissioning and retrofit focus that primarily identifies low-cost, quick payback items to improve operations and energy use
  • Comprehensive technical services and support that assures quality of work through technical standards and guidelines and control throughout the project process through organizational and procedural structures.
  • Funding mechanisms that include initial costs (screening and investigation) paid through PBEEEP. Remaining project funds are then paid through tax-exempt lease purchase financing where payments are set up to ensure a budget-neutral condition for the LGU throughout the loan term. Details on the funding mechanisms for Local Governments participating in the program are available on the Local Governments page.

PBEEEP Organization

The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) has been engaged by the Minnesota, Department Of Commerce, Office Of Energy Security to develop and administer PBEEEP. CEE is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that works to promote public interest through the responsible and efficient use of natural and economic resources. CEE will be the quality assurance provider and day-to-day administrator of the program. Providers will manage individual projects in conjunction with CEE, LGU representatives, utility representatives, and other project stakeholders.

Program Framework

LGU submits PBEEEP application for public building projects.
Facilities are screened by providers, LGU owners, or other method. Screening outputs a documented account of energy use, equipment, systems, and operations practices at each facility.
Investigation, which entails a detailed analysis and study of each facility, results in a list of actionable items for implementation, with costs, savings, and payback estimates.
Measures approved at the close of investigation are implemented. Standard financing agreements are made between the LGU and the financial institution.
Implemented measures are verified by provider via functional test, visual inspection, or other approved means, to ensure savings are realized. Handoff documentation and training is delivered to staff, LGU owner, and the project is closed out.
PBEEEP aids and supports LGUs in on-going tracking and monitoring of energy use.

Program Information for
 Local Government Units

Please see the Local Governments page for information on program participation, project funding, how PBEEEP compares to other program options available to LGUs, and other topics.

Program Information for
 Providers

Please see the Contractors/Consultants page for information on the roles firms can play within the program, program participation, and for links to program guides.

Program Information for
 Utilities

Please see the Utilities page for information on the roles utilities can play within the program, program participation, and for links to program guides.
PBEEEP was made possible with funding from the U.S. Department Of Energy and the Minnesota Department Of Commerce, Office Of Energy Security.