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Environmental commission recommends council consider Xcel Energy Partners MOU extension
Summary
The Inver Grove Heights Environmental Advisory Commission reviewed progress under the Partners in Energy partnership and voted to recommend the 2026 memorandum of understanding extension to city council, citing staffing gaps as a reason for limited 2025 outreach.
The Inver Grove Heights Environmental Advisory Commission voted to recommend that the City Council consider approving a 2026 extension of the Partners in Energy memorandum of understanding with Xcel Energy.
Liz, a city staff member leading the program update, told commissioners the city adopted an Energy Action Plan in 2021 developed with Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy program and community stakeholders and reviewed 2025 implementation progress and gaps. "The EAC has asked to review the Xcel Energy Partners in Energy MOU, 2026 implementation extension and consider recommending city council approval," Liz said, noting staffing limitations had slowed some outreach and program goals.
Commissioners discussed several implementation items, including business outreach at the Inver Grove Heights Business Expo and whether a modest $2,000 reimbursement line for printing and prizes had been used. Liz said some funds were used early in the program and suggested updating outreach materials with Partners in Energy support.
The commission also discussed reinstating the Sustainable IGH awards program and outreach priorities such as reaching young people; Liz said she would add those items to next year’s work plan. Commissioner Killian asked whether SolSmart participation could resume; Liz explained SolSmart provides technical assistance to local governments to expand solar options and said staff would look into past participation and next steps.
After discussion, Commissioner Mikulski moved to recommend the memorandum of understanding to city council; Commissioner Reese seconded. Chair called for the vote and the motion passed; the chair indicated the recommendation would be forwarded to the council for consideration.
Next steps: staff will revise the MOU language per commission guidance and bring a revised draft to the EAC at a future meeting before forwarding it to the City Council for consideration.
