Two St. Cloud organizations among 52 statewide clean energy grant winners

(KNSI) – Two St. Cloud organizations are among 52 community clean energy projects across the state awarded seed grants by Clean Energy Resource Teams.

Community Grassroots Solutions and Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota both received funding in the latest round. The grants support energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts, with many focused on helping residents lower their energy use.

Community Grassroots Solutions plans to use its grant to build clean energy awareness and education while removing barriers to residential energy assessments among East African community members in the St. Cloud area. Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota will work with energy-burdened households, offering information and strategies to lower their energy costs and improve air quality at home.

The two St. Cloud groups were among eight projects funded in the central region. Each region of the state receives $54,500, with projects chosen by local residents who serve on their regional steering committee.

CERTs says its seed grants aim to support underserved communities, including households carrying high energy burdens. Those are homes where more than 5% of income goes toward energy costs, compared with 2% for the average Minnesota household.

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