CenterPoint Energy, the largest gas distribution company in Minnesota, hosted their annual Energy Efficiency & Technology Conference in May 2024 at a conference center in Brooklyn Center MN. The one-day conference was focused on assisting industrial and commercial companies manage and reduce their natural gas consumption and costs. Most gas distribution utilities offer annual technical sessions that can be a valuable resource for improving your facility energy performance. The keynote presentation was provided by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy to shine a light on recent Federal and State programs to reduce emissions. Specifically, the Energy Conservation & Optimization Act (ECO) is being implemented to revolutionize energy efficiency and assist end users address corporate, city, state, and federal sustainability initiatives.
Eric Todd, VP of Business Development for Encore Energy also presented, on the topic of “What is natural gas transportation service and the role of a gas marketer?”. Eric provided an overview of the advantages of using a gas marketer as your designated gas supplier for customers that meet the utility criteria. Managing your utility budget spend and reducing exposure to extreme gas market volatility are two of the most common reasons to work with a marketer. Eric also provided an overview of how to build an energy strategy for your facility to reduce energy consumption and costs. Other presentations included the Gas Technology Institute report on emerging technology, details of CenterPoint rebate programs and several speakers on improving boiler operations and best practices for industrial thermal processes and systems. There are many programs available that offer rebates and incentives for assisting end users to reduce energy demand and implement energy efficiency. Contact your Encore Energy Account representative and they can help direct you to the appropriate utility resources, including an invitation to future utility technical conferences.